Campus buzz: Jamia panel holds talks with students demanding polls

Jamia Milia Islamia University (File photo)

A five-member committee constituted by Jamia Millia Islamia University Saturday held a dialogue with student protesters, who have been demanding the restoration of the students’ union elections, on hold since 2006. The students have been protesting against the issue since October 26. After the election was abolished, nine students moved the Delhi High Court in 2012. The matter is pending in court.

The committee consists of Chief Proctor Haroon Sajjad; Deputy Proctor, Dean of Social Sciences, Niamatullah Khan; Dean Students Welfare, Naved Iqbal; and media co-ordinator Saima Syed. Stating the legal hurdle before the university committee, they appealed to the students on Saturday to end their protest in view of Foundation Day celebrations.

“The university is in-principle in favour of holding the election, and reminded students that the legal hurdle could only be solved by withdrawing the present petition. It was also pointed out to them that the Delhi High Court had admitted a plea, made by an intervening group of nine students dated 28.02.2012, stating that they were opposed to any direct system of elections in JMI. The members told them that in view of the legal position, the university’s hands are tied as the matter is sub judice,” a committee member said.