Mumbai University's Diktat To Ban Protests Without Permissions Sparks Outrage Among Students

Mumbai: The University of Mumbai has banned protests at all its campuses without prior permission, just days before MU Senate election results, scheduled for September 27. A circular issued by the vigilance and disaster management cell of MU prohibited individuals and organisations from organising meetings, hunger strikes, protests, rallies, or gatherings at any of its campuses without the university's nod. The decision was taken by the management council in a meeting held on September 12. 

"Without the prior permission of the Mumbai University Administration, any organization or person organising any form of meetings, agitations, marches, hunger strikes, public assemblies, and any similar programme in the premises of the university will be subject to appropriate legal action on behalf of the university administration," the circular read.

Despite UGC 's clear guidelines that encourage students to form organisations and participate in debates, the university has released the ‘arbitrary’ circular, the students said. The university said that the directive aims to avoid any untoward incident to ensure security. However, student unions and organisations have raised their voices against the diktat, claiming that it was being done to suppress their voices.

Citing concerns about growing ‘interference’ from student, staff and political outfits creating ‘hurdles’ in the university's work, the university warned the violators with disciplinary action. The varsity has asked the security department to implement the circular. Moreover, the council has also formed a two-member grievance redressal committee to address the needs of the students. 

Students have reportedly burned copies of the circular in front of the institute’s gate. “This is an attempt by the university and the state government to suppress the voices of the students, parents, teachers and non-teaching staff. We will file a legal complaint to have this circular withdrawn after the results of the recent senate elections are announced. We condemn this cowardly behaviour of the honourable vice chancellor,” said the Yuva Sena, the youth wing of Shiv Sena (UBT).

“The university has taken this step to prevent the students and student organisations from raising their voices over educational issues. This is a deliberate strategy by an administration that lacks sympathy for the student’s problems. Chhatrabharti condemns it and vows not to seek the university’s permission for organising any event for student welfare,” said Rohit Dhale, the state president of Chhatrabharti.

Previously, JNU and TISS also made similar decisions.