Student groups to launch 'Save University Democracy' agitation at SPPU from Nov 2 over protest curbs

Progressive student organisations have jointly announced an agitation against the administration of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) in Pune. The organisations allege that peaceful protest is being restricted, students' freedom of expression is being curbed and students are being discriminated against on ideological grounds on the campus. The agitation, named "Save University Democracy", will begin on November 2.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at the university on October 29, attended by representatives of several student organisations. The organisations resolved to jointly oppose what they described as a shrinking of democratic space and an attempt to suppress students' constitutional rights.

The organisations allege that the university's Management Council passed a resolution in August 2026 that banned protests, marches and events on issues of national importance. They also referred to a 2024 circular, under which students are reportedly required to seek permission at least eight days before a demonstration, with legal action provided for events held without permission.

Student representatives said such restrictions would prevent students from raising issues linked to their future, including alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. They also questioned the curbs on entry to the university, such as identity card checks at the campus gates and control over students' access to the main administrative building.

The organisations argued that the university's openness and democratic atmosphere should not be lost in the name of security arrangements. They also alleged that events linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and groups of a particular ideology are being permitted, while progressive student organisations face restrictions. They have demanded an impartial inquiry into these allegations and equal treatment for all student organisations.

Siddhant Jambhulkar, vice-president of NSUI Pune, alleged that the university administration was giving more weight to restrictions than to democratic values. "A university is expected to uphold constitutional values, democracy, freedom of thought and social justice. But the SPPU administration's present attitude appears to favour restriction and repression. Curbs on protest, strict control over students' entry and differential treatment on the basis of ideology are matters of serious concern," he said.

Jambhulkar warned that student organisations would unite against what he described as an authoritarian system. "We will fight this repression through constitutional means and a democratic struggle on the streets. Our struggle to protect democratic space on the campus, students' rights and freedom of expression will continue. We will not tolerate any attempt to suppress democracy," he said.

Abhishek Shelke, president of the SPPU unit of the University Students Struggle Action Committee, questioned the alleged differential treatment of organisations. "If cultural organisations linked to the ruling party are allowed to hold events in the university, why are protests by progressive student organisations banned? Why are there different rules and different yardsticks of justice?" he asked. He said the organisations would continue to struggle in a democratic and constitutional manner to protect students' rights and freedom of expression.

The meeting was attended by Jambhulkar of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), Suraj Gaikwad of the Republican Vidyarthi Parishad, Shelke of the University Students Struggle Action Committee, Ajay Bansode of the All India Students' Federation (AISF), Pawan Jadhav of the Students' Federation of India (SFI), Pradnyot Gaikwad of the Samyak Vidyarthi Andolan and Dhanashri Lavand of the New Students and Youth Federation. Representatives of other student organisations also took part.

The participating organisations said the November 2 agitation would focus on saving democratic space on the campus, opposing the ban on peaceful protests, and safeguarding students' constitutional rights and freedom of expression.