SPPU Bans Protests on Issues Unrelated to Pune University; Student Groups Demand Rollback
Pune, 14th October 2026: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has decided to prohibit protests, demonstrations, meetings and marches on its campus over national and broader issues that are not directly related to the university. The decision, approved by the university’s Management Council, has drawn strong opposition from student organisations, which have alleged that it curtails students’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The University Students’ Struggle Action Committee has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular, arguing that the restrictions could prevent students from raising their voices democratically on campus, including near the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
What does the Management Council resolution say?
According to the resolution, the proposal was moved by Bageshree Manthalkar and seconded by Dr Devidas Vaydande at a Management Council meeting.
The university cited repeated marches and demonstrations by organisations, including the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and Samyak Vidyarthi Andolan, over national-level questions and issues not directly connected to SPPU.
The resolution states that such sudden protests disrupt the peaceful academic environment, may cause damage to university property and place additional pressure on campus security.
Consequently, the university has decided that protests, demonstrations and meetings concerning broader issues unrelated to the institution will not be permitted on its premises.
Student groups allege curbs on constitutional rights
Student organisations have strongly criticised the decision. Abhishek Shelkar, president of the University Students’ Struggle Action Committee, said students had a fundamental right to express their views and assemble peacefully under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution.
“On one hand, the state government has constituted a committee for student elections, while on the other, Pune University is suppressing students’ democracy,” Shelkar said.
He also criticised the restrictions on gatherings near the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, describing the move as deeply objectionable.
The committee questioned whether the restrictions would apply equally to organisations affiliated with the ruling political establishment. It has appealed to progressive student organisations to unite against the decision.
The university’s response to the students’ objections and whether it intends to reconsider the resolution were not immediately available.
