PU students allege bid to curb right to protest

Several student political groups of Panjab University today held a joint protest against a new affidavit requirement, which allegedly restricts students’ right to protest. Member of SFS, PSU (Lalkaar), Student Front, Sath and ABVP participated in the demonstration outside the Administrative Block.

The controversial clause, part of the 2025 Handbook of Information, mandates new students to take pledge against engaging in protests or demonstrations.

As per the affidavit clause, the university has asked first-year students to submit a notarised affidavit swearing they will not organise or participate in protests, rallies, or demonstrations, which are held in the designated area.

It also implies serious consequences for violations, including admission cancellation, exam disqualification and a permanent ban on contesting student body elections. The students called the move “undemocratic” and a “blatant violation” of constitutional rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. Former Panjab University Campus Student Council vice-president Archit Garg led a delegation that submitted a demand to the Vice-Chancellor for immediate withdrawal of the policy.

Meanwhile, the protest saw rare unity, as even ABVP condemned the affidavit as a “Tughlaqi Farman” and burned an effigy of the VC. The protesters vowed to continue their democratic resistance if the university fails to act.

“The authorities are completely suppressing the students by introducing such measures. The university students are known for maintaining decorum and raising their demands in a very peaceful manner. However, such steps clearly indicate that the university is pushing the students to start a huge agitation,” said a protesting student.