Affidavit row: Students begin indefinite stir in front of VC office in Panjab University

Students of Panjab University (PU) launched an indefinite protest today in front of the Vice Chancellor’s office against the controversial affidavit imposed by the university administration. The affidavit, introduced earlier this year, seeks to curb students’ democratic right to protest by forcing them to sign a declaration restricting their participation in demonstrations and public expression, claimed the protesting students.

Representatives from various student bodies, independent students, and members of the Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) were present during the protest. They strongly condemned the university’s attempt to silence dissent and undermine constitutional rights guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.

“The administration wants to brand students as criminals for raising their voice. We are here to make it clear that students are not criminals — they are the conscience of the campus and have every right to protest peacefully,” shared one of the protesting students.

The students recalled that despite multiple representations and protests earlier, the university continued with the affidavit policy. “Though a case is pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the university’s lack of response and continued enforcement of the affidavit has compelled students to take to streets once again,” said another protestor.

The protesting students have announced that the sit-in will continue indefinitely until the university officially withdraws the affidavit and restores students’ democratic rights on campus. The students have also appealed to the wider academic and political community to take cognisance of the situation and intervene to safeguard the democratic ethos of one of India’s premier universities.