Students stage nine-hour protest outside PU against affidavit restricting any form of organised dissent

Indian Express

3 days ago

Student organisations of the Panjab University (PU) on Thursday closed university's gate number 2 for over 9 hours in protest against the affidavit requiring students to forfeit their right to protest and organise collective actions.
The protest began in the morning with students gathering peacefully at the gate, where they raised slogans, displayed placards, and later burnt copies of the affidavit in a symbolic act of defiance. The affidavit, published in the Handbook of Information 2025 (Part C, Page 129), threatens students with expulsion, cancellation of admission, and debarment from examinations if they are found participating in protests, dharnas, or public criticism of university authorities.
Students declared that their primary demand was for the Dean University Instruction (DUI) to come and address their concerns in person.
As the evening approached, all participating student bodies, without any compromise, unanimously decided to end the blockade and open the gates, with an agreement to consult all parties and announce the future course of action after internal discussions.
Our doors open for meaningful dialogue: PU
Meanwhile professor Amit Chauhan, dean of students' welfare, PU said that the university is among the very few varsities in the country where student council elections are conducted every year, reflecting 'commitment to democratic values and student participation'. He added that PU has never barred students from raising their genuine concerns, nor is there any such intention. 'Our sole objective is to ensure that the academic environment remains undisturbed and students do not face any inconvenience during their studies,' he added.
Chauhan said if any section of students has concerns or misunderstandings, the authorities are open to discussion and dialogue.
A meeting of the PU administration was held earlier in which some student representatives participated; however, despite being informed, the agitating students did not attend the scheduled meeting and blocked the road, the official said.
'The admission season is currently underway, and new students are joining the university. We are particularly mindful that they should not face any hardship or disruption,' he added.
Students, Chauhan added, are the 'most important part' of the university, and we believe in resolving matters without confrontation. 'Our doors remain open for meaningful dialogue. However, blocking University Gate No. 2 is not the right approach, and we urge students to come forward for discussion rather than resorting to disruption,' he said.