Kerala High Court Mandates Framework to Regulate Student Political Activities
The Kerala High Court has issued a significant directive to the syndicates of all universities across the state, ordering them to formulate a comprehensive mechanism to regulate the political activities of students on campus and ensure that discipline is strictly maintained. This landmark order aims to address growing concerns over campus unrest and violence linked to student politics.
Court Sets Deadline for Rule Formulation
The court has further directed that all universities must frame appropriate rules and submit them for judicial review on or before March 4, 2024. A bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar delivered this order while hearing a series of petitions that sought a ban on student politics within college campuses.
Petitions Highlight Incidents of Campus Violence
The petitions were filed by N Prakash of Maradu, Dr S Ganapathy of Kollam, and L S Ajoy of Chengannur, who brought attention to multiple incidents of campus violence across Kerala. Among the cases cited was the tragic murder of M Abhimanyu, a Students Federation of India (SFI) leader at Maharaja's College in Ernakulam, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Universities' Responsibility for Campus Safety
During the hearings, the High Court emphasized that it is the fundamental responsibility of universities and colleges to prevent untoward incidents on their premises. The bench noted that maintaining discipline in educational institutions is not only necessary but also desirable for fostering a conducive learning environment.
Previous Directives and Model Rules
The court observed that there have been earlier judicial directions urging universities to develop long-term regulatory measures to address political conflicts among students. In this context, the Mahatma Gandhi University's Mahatma Gandhi University Students' Code of Conduct Rules, 2005 were highlighted as an existing framework. These rules are designed to enforce good conduct in classrooms, across campuses, and in affiliated colleges, as well as within the university's teaching and research departments and self-financing schools.
The High Court suggested that other universities could consider these 2005 Rules as a model while drafting their own regulations. This approach aims to standardize efforts across the state while allowing for institution-specific adaptations.
Adjournment and Future Proceedings
The petitions have been adjourned to March 4, 2024, by which time universities are expected to present their formulated rules for the court's consideration. This step is crucial for ensuring accountability and timely implementation of the directive.
This development marks a pivotal moment in Kerala's educational landscape, as it seeks to balance student political expression with the imperative of campus safety and order. The outcome of this judicial process could set a precedent for how student activism is managed in higher education institutions nationwide.
