The Delhi High Court has strongly cautioned against the politicization of educational institutions, stressing that campuses must not be utilized as arenas for promoting partisan agendas. This admonition arose during the proceedings of Swati Singh v JNU, where Justice C Hari Shankar underscored the importance of upholding discipline among students and ensuring that educational establishments prioritize their fundamental role in imparting education.
The Delhi High Court has issued a stern warning against the politicization of educational institutions, emphasizing that campuses should not serve as platforms for propagating party politics. The observation came in the case of Swati Singh v JNU, where Justice C Hari Shankar highlighted the necessity of maintaining discipline among students while ensuring that educational institutions remain focused on their core function of education.
“While there can be no proscription against students engaging in political activities, they cannot be allowed to do so in a manner which would disrupt normal campus life,”
the Court stated.
The judge underscored that while genuine causes can be supported, activities must not compromise the orderly conduct of educational affairs. Additionally, the Court emphasized the need to sternly address disruptive behavior by students, leaving no room for leniency.
The Court further stressed the importance of adhering to procedural rules while handling instances of student indiscipline. Justice Shankar cautioned that failure to follow statutory protocols could result in disciplinary actions being set aside.
Highlighting a specific case involving the suspension of a Ph.D. student at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the Court noted several breaches of procedural rules by the administration. Despite the student’s non-appearance at the summons due to health reasons or being out-of-station, the JNU administration suspended her for alleged misconduct.
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The student, denying the allegations, approached the High Court for relief, arguing that procedural rules were violated in her suspension. After considering the arguments, the Court ruled in favor of the student, setting aside her suspension and ordering her reinstatement to JNU.
“In the present case, there have been several breaches of this procedure… The petitioner is, therefore, directed to be reinstated in the JNU,”
the Court decreed.
However, the Court clarified that JNU could proceed with disciplinary actions against the student, provided it strictly adhered to legal procedures and the university’s statutes.
Advocates Abhik Chimni, Saharsh Saxena, Anant Khajuria, and Riya Pahuja represented the student, while Advocate Subhrodeep Saha appeared for JNU.
This ruling by the Delhi High Court underscores the importance of upholding discipline and adherence to legal procedures within educational institutions, ensuring they remain centers of learning and not arenas for political activities.
