Why Has the Hearing on Student Council Elections in Bengal Colleges Been Delayed Again?
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Synopsis
The ongoing delays in the Calcutta High Court regarding student council elections in West Bengal raise concerns about governance and student representation. With the next hearing set for August 26, we explore the implications of these postponements on the academic community and the urgent need for resolution.
Key Takeaways
- Hearing delays continue in the Calcutta High Court.
- Next hearing date set for August 26.
- State government urged to issue election notifications.
- Concerns over student safety in common rooms highlighted.
- Importance of student representation emphasized.
Kolkata, Aug 7 (NationPress) A significant hearing in the Calcutta High Court regarding various public interest litigations aiming for the prompt resolution of stalled students’ union council elections across West Bengal's colleges and universities has been postponed once more. This delay occurred on Thursday as counsel for the state government, along with Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, requested more time to present his arguments.
This marks the second postponement this month for the hearing at the division bench of Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Smita Das De.
Previously, on August 1, the case was delayed because Kalyan Banerjee was absent from court.
The hearing has now been rescheduled for August 26, with the division bench instructing all involved parties to prepare their arguments and bring essential documents on that date.
On July 17, the Calcutta High Court instructed the state government to facilitate the swift completion of the students’ council elections by issuing the required notifications as soon as possible.
The court noted that elections should be held in universities where full-time Vice-Chancellors are in place, despite some universities being unable to hold elections due to vacancies in those positions.
The High Court emphasized that the state government must first publish the election notifications, after which the court would determine the next steps.
Additionally, last month, the Calcutta High Court mandated that union rooms, often known as common rooms, in all colleges and universities remain locked until the student elections are conducted and the results announced.
This directive holds particular significance in light of a serious incident in June at South Calcutta Law College (New Campus) in Kasba, where a student was raped in the common room.
Investigations revealed that the victim was lured to the common room by three accused individuals—Monojit Mishra, Jaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukhopadhyay—who subsequently forced her into an adjacent guard room within the campus and assaulted her.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the significance of timely student council elections in fostering democratic engagement in educational institutions. The ongoing delays not only hinder student representation but also raise questions about administrative accountability. NationPress stands firm in advocating for swift resolutions to ensure that students have a voice in their governance.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the hearing on student council elections postponed?
The hearing was postponed because state government counsel Kalyan Banerjee requested additional time to present his arguments.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing is scheduled for August 26.
What has the Calcutta High Court directed regarding the elections?
The court has directed the state government to ensure the timely completion of pending elections by issuing necessary notifications.
Why are some universities unable to conduct elections?
Some universities lack full-time Vice-Chancellors, which has hindered the election process.
What security measures were taken regarding common rooms?
The Calcutta High Court ordered that union rooms remain locked until elections are conducted, following a serious incident at one college.
