Students allege unresolved grievances: Police called to Army Law College Pune following ‘peaceful’ student protest

It started when the chairman of ALC Pune received a letter which detailed various allegations including academic mismanagement to harassment. In the letter, students alleged faculty members were forced to teach subjects outside their expertise. This included a constitutional law lecturer made to handle international law.

Students of second year BBA LLB said they lost 40 days of finance classes when a faculty member resigned over contractual disputes. They alleged that instead of a finance expert, an advocate acquainted with the principal was brought in to fill the gap.

Timetable confusions, dissolution of the statutory student council, denial of medical and academic leave, over crowding in the hostel and discrimination based on parents’ military rank featured prominently in their complaints. They also complained of alleged financial non-transparency, with questions raised over the Rs 13,000 charged for NCC enrolment, cuts to the budget for flagship events, and misuse of college resources.

Students said their repeated attempts to address these concerns were brushed aside. “We were told the chairman had more important things to do,” a protestor claimed.

Matters escalated on Friday when college authorities called police to the campus. Students alleged the move on the college’s part was an intimidation tactic.

“The protest was a threat to my office, the college property was attempted to be harmed, and offices out of bound areas were encroached. For maintaining the safety of all ALC students and members and ensuring good order, the police were requested to visit the college,” Dr Joshi said.

The principal rejected that the unrest was widespread and described it as being driven by “a few motivated individuals” and reiterated that ALC’s military heritage demands discipline. “Neither was the protest expected nor required, as the ALC office is always open for discussion. The letter will be considered as per ALC’s norms,” she said. She added that academics remained a priority, with students being called to the auditorium for dialogue and all classes continuing as per schedule.

“Dear students, maintain decorum and do not be influenced. We are performing our duties in your best interest. No indiscipline will be tolerated. We are always available to discuss any and every issue in a respectful and constructive manner,”
When asked what would be her response to the students, Dr Joshi said, “dear students, maintain decorum and do not be influenced. We are performing our duties in your best interest. No indiscipline will be tolerated. We are always available to discuss any and every issue in a respectful and constructive manner.”
As of now there has been no formal response from the chairman’s office. Students said if their demands, including reinstating the student council and replacing top administrators, are ignored, they will be prepared to continue registering their protest.

(The author, Asmita Maini, is an intern with The Indian Express)