Pune: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has issued a circular prohibiting political parties, organisations, groups and other entities from holding protests, demonstrations, meetings and marches on campus over national or broader issues unrelated directly to the university. Most student organisations have opposed the circular, stating it infringes on their freedom of expression and democratic rights, and asked for immediate withdrawal.The circular, dated Oct 14, cites concerns over potential law-and-order incidents, disruption of the academic environment, damage to university property and interference with educational activities. The decision follows a Management Council resolution passed on Aug 25, 2026.“A university is not merely a place to earn degrees; it is a space that nurtures critical thinking, social awareness, democratic values, and social responsibility. Students have every right to raise their voices against unemployment, inflation, caste discrimination, gender inequality, etc. Restricting peaceful protests in the name of maintaining law and order undermines students’ democratic and constitutional freedoms. Instead of imposing blanket restrictions, the administration should engage in dialogue with student organisations,” said Pawan Jadhav, treasurer, SFI University Unit.“The deliberate mention of CJP and other protests in the University Management Council meeting which led to this circular raises serious concerns. Why restrictions are seemingly directed at Ambedkarite and progressive student organisations while organisations affiliated with right-wing ideologies are given a free rein? This selective approach is unacceptable and raises questions about the administration’s impartiality,” said Rahul Sasane, Ambedkarite activist.“While religious programmes have been organised on campus at the behest of right-wing leaders, restrictions on protests concerning paper leaks and student issues raise serious questions about equal treatment. The university administration must not favour one ideology while limiting the voices of others. We demand the immediate withdrawal of the resolution and a written explanation clarifying the legal provisions and authority under which these restrictions were imposed. If students cannot raise their concerns on university campuses, where else can they demand justice? Democracy demands dialogue, not suppression,” said Siddhant Jambhulkar, from National Students’ Union of India (NSUI).However, ABVP supported the circular. “Every student has the right to protest peacefully in the university on issues directly concerning students, and no administration can infringe upon this right. However, Savitribai Phule Pune University has prohibited protests and demonstrations on issues that are unrelated or not directly connected to the university. Protests that are irrelevant to the university and unnecessarily disrupt its functioning and academic environment should not be permitted on the university campus,” said Radhey Bahegavankar from ABVP.
