Calcutta HC Prohibits Political Figures at Jadavpur University Events

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta HC restricts political figures from university events.
- Jadavpur University must submit a security affidavit.
- Events should focus solely on academic subjects.
- Recent unrest involved Education Minister Bratya Basu.
- Students demanded immediate elections for the council.
Kolkata, March 27 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court has instituted a prohibition on inviting any political figure to events or seminars at the renowned Jadavpur University. The division bench, led by Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Chaitali Chattopadhyay, mandated the university administration to present, within three weeks, an affidavit detailing the current security measures on campus.
Furthermore, the court recommended that the university organizers limit events to those strictly associated with academic pursuits to avoid political invitations.
This decision follows unrest earlier this month at the university, where a public interest litigation was submitted, citing inadequate security during an incident involving West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu.
During the hearing, the division bench inquired about the university authorities' hesitation to involve the police despite prior disruptions.
They instructed the administration to provide clear responses regarding this issue during the next court session.
On March 1, chaos erupted on campus when Minister Basu's vehicle was reportedly halted, leading to a skirmish as students called for immediate elections for the student council. Protesters claimed that Basu's vehicle struck two students, resulting in serious injuries that necessitated hospitalization.
In the midst of the protests, the Minister sustained minor injuries and fell ill, subsequently receiving treatment at the state-operated S.S.K.M. Medical College and Hospital, from which he was later discharged.