Delhi University’s Hindu College has suspended 25 students for staging protests last month over a cultural fest and 15 more for alleged fraud during the Mecca’23. At least two more students were served notices for both, their alleged involvement in protest as well as financial fraud, multiple students have confirmed.
Anju Srivastava, the college principal, did not respond to calls seeking a response. “We were told by the college official that 42 students have been served notice. But we are in contact with at least 30 students. The notices for both kinds of offences mention suspension, fine and the student will be barred from taking any post,” said a student who has been served notice for holding a protest. The college hosted its annual fest named ‘Mecca’ on April 27 and 28.
Around 25 students have been given notice for “gross misconduct and extremely inappropriate behaviour” during the protest. In addition to that 15 students have been served notice regarding “financial fraud or cheating” during the two-day event. Sanjay Godra (18) who is a second-year student claimed that he has been served both notices.
“I was not part of the organising committee. I was only protesting against the administration over the MEECA’23. I have no idea why I have been served both the notices,” he said. Students have alleged that there was no disciplinary committee involved, adding that no investigation was carried out before taking action.
“They have imposed a Rs 10,000 penalty on us. Tell me how will students pay? This is a black law. The college did not conduct any kind of investigation,” Godra alleged. Besides facing suspension, students will have to pay the fine of Rs 10,000 by May 12, the notices accessed by PTI stated.
Around 100 students gathered to protest on the campus after the administration allegedly asked them to cut short the three-day cultural fest to one on April 21. Some of the students followed the principal to her car when she was trying to leave for an event.
“We have been told that only those students who followed the principal have been served notices. But I was not there. Moreover, several students who were not even part of the protest have been served notices,” said another student. Those served notices for protests, allegedly blocked the principal’s way when she was going to attend a meeting at the university, their notices mentioned.
