UoH clarifies suspension of students for protesting against cultural festival – Telangana Today

The university recently suspended five students, including student union president Mohammed Ateeq Ahmed, from classes and hostel for one semester and also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 for the protest.

Hyderabad: The University of Hyderabad (UoH) administration on Tuesday issued a clarification on the suspension of five students who, according to the university, had unconditionally apologised for their protest outside the VC’s residence at 1 am on May 18 during the annual cultural festival Sukoon.

In a statement issued here, UoH Registrar Dr Devesh Nigam said the students have requested a review of their punishment, which will be submitted to the upcoming meeting of the university’s Executive Council for a decision.

The university recently suspended five students, including Students’ Union President Mohammed Ateeq Ahmed, from classes and hostel for one semester and also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 for the protest. Five other office bearers of the SFI UoH unit were also fined Rs 10,000.

The university’s disciplinary action, which includes suspension of the students concerned, was taken following a series of events spanning a period of time, following due process and consultations with the relevant university bodies, Dr Nigam said.

Despite repeated advice and efforts by the administration to find suitable dates for the Sukoon festival that would not interfere with academic operations, the student union persisted with its proposed dates, which clashed with the university’s academic calendar, the UoH said.

The university administration has engaged extensively with the students’ union to address the concerns and explain the reasons for postponing the festival. The decision not to allow the event during the holiday season was based on logistical challenges highlighted by law enforcement agencies and the impracticability of enforcing the conditions required by DCP Madhapur in view of the code of conduct in place till June 4, it said.

On May 15, extensive meetings with students were held. And on May 17, the VC himself held extensive discussions with the Students’ Union before a final decision was made. “Despite these efforts, the subsequent break-in at the VC’s home at 1am on May 18 disrupted the personal and professional lives of the VC and his family, including his 95-year-old mother, and created a distressing situation that warranted police intervention,” the UoH registrar said.

According to the UoH Registrar, the suspended students met the Vice-Chancellor on June 20 and publicly apologised unconditionally for their actions and misconduct. “However, since Monday, the students resorted to protests to put pressure on the university administration and refused to vacate or call off the protest until their request was considered by the Executive Council. This behaviour appears to be coercive in nature,” Dr Nigam added.

Meanwhile, the student union continued its protest on Tuesday and demanded that the university administration lift the suspensions and penalties imposed on the students.