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Journalism of Courage
A three-member committee from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) that arrived at the Army Law College on Friday to conduct an inquiry over prolonged student protests was not permitted to enter the campus by the college administration. The college cited ‘Army protocols’ and said prior permission was required to enter the campus.
A member of the committee told The Indian Express, “After we reached there on Friday, the college authorities said that there are ‘Army protocols’ and until higher authorities give permission, an inquiry cannot be conducted.”
On Saturday, the ALC also submitted a response to SPPU’s letter demanding a report on the protests and steps taken for its resolution with students. However, the response was inadequate and the University has written back to the college seeking more details.
Pro-Vice Chancellor of SPPU professor Parag Kalkar said, “They submitted a compliance letter to us on Saturday, saying that the issues with the students had been resolved. However, just saying that it is completed is not acceptable. They have to submit the documentary evidence as well – What were the grievances? What was the resolution provided which was acceptable to the students? And the minutes of the meeting with the students. We wrote to them the same day, asking to submit these details.”
Kalkar added that he would only be able to comment on the committee’s visit to ALC after it submits its report to the university, which is expected to come in on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, students resumed normal classes from Tuesday last week. A fifth-year student told The Indian Express, “We have resumed the classes as we have been told by the registrar that the principal has been put on administrative leave. However, we have not received any official notice or email regarding this leave, we have just been told orally. But if she joins again, we will be continuing our protests.”
Protests erupted at the Army Law College on August 8 as the students alleged issues like faculty members being assigned subjects outside their core expertise, academic timetables frequently changed with little notice, policies that hinder students’ mental health, dissolution of the Student Council, and other issues. Students claim that after Dr Madhushree Joshi and Col Suneel Mann took over as Principal and Registrar respectively, the college’s environment became hostile, unprofessional, and oppressive.
Joshi did not respond to calls or messages for confirmation of this leave. When contacted on his phone, Colonel Mann said that he was in a meeting and could not talk. He did not respond to any further calls or messages.
