The prestigious Panjab University witnessed a complete academic paralysis on Monday as protesting students forced a campus-wide shutdown, demanding immediate elections for the university senate. The protest coincides with a fresh plea filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking urgent intervention to declare election dates.
Legal Battle Intensifies Over Senate Vacuum
Two petitioners approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday, urging the judiciary to direct Panjab University to immediately announce the schedule for senate elections. The plea forms part of an ongoing case registered as CWP No. 25387 of 2024, with the main hearing scheduled for December 16.
The petition highlights a critical constitutional crisis within the university. The previous senate's term officially ended on October 31, with the new body supposed to commence from November 1. However, with no elections conducted, the university has been operating without its primary democratic body for over a week.
Government Notices and Student Backlash
The legal document chronicles recent controversial government actions that triggered widespread protests. On October 28, 2025, the Central government issued a notification proposing to shrink the senate size and replace numerous elected positions with nominated members.
This move faced immediate opposition from both student groups and teaching faculty, with the Punjab Government also formally registering its objection. Following sustained protests, the government withdrew one notice on November 4, only to issue another with similar changes the same day.
After continued agitation, the Ministry of Education ultimately cancelled both notifications on November 7, stating it had considered all stakeholder representations. Despite this resolution, the fundamental issue of the vacant senate remains unaddressed.
Campus Comes to Complete Standstill
Meanwhile, the academic atmosphere at Panjab University ground to a complete halt on Monday. Protesting students sealed all campus gates, bringing all teaching activities to a standstill. The students have vowed to continue their agitation until concrete election dates are announced.
"We want action, not promises," declared a student leader stationed outside the main gate, capturing the mood of the protesting crowd. The protestors emphasized that they would not reopen the campus until the administration provides firm commitments regarding the electoral process.
The petition before the High Court raises serious concerns about potential misuse of power by the Vice-Chancellor in the absence of an elected senate. It references the university's own submission in an earlier case, where it acknowledged that functioning without an elected syndicate for over a year had adversely affected daily operations and harmed student interests.
While the Vice-Chancellor reportedly told a newspaper on November 8 that a new election plan was prepared and awaiting the Chancellor's approval, the petition expresses skepticism given past delays. Notably, the Chancellor was given a final opportunity to respond back in March 2025 but has remained silent for over seven months.
The plea alleges that certain elements have attempted to scuttle the elections to gain undue control over university affairs. It specifically requests the court to:
- Direct the university to immediately announce the election schedule
- Ensure strict adherence to the declared timetable
- Permit submission of document copies instead of originals
- Provide any other relief the court deems appropriate
Copies of the legal petition have been formally served to the university administration and other concerned parties. The case involves no Members of Parliament or Legislative Assembly as parties.
