Peaceful protests in campuses legit, government tells HC

KOCHI: Peaceful protests by students in campuses cannot be suppressed and action can be taken only if there is violation of law or involvement of external forces, state government submitted before the high court.

The affidavit was filed in response to a court directive on July 31 which sought to inform steps taken for maintaining law and order in educational institutions.

The directive was based on a petition (WP-C No. 241922017) filed by the principal of

Don Bosco College

at

Sulthan Bathery

in

Wayanad

.

“Peaceful protests by students or teachers or other employees of the institutions in the campus cannot be barred. The right to indulge in such peaceful protests was taken judicial notice of in `Prakash N vs. principal, government law college,

Ernakulam

and others, 2014'. General protests by organizations outside the campus on issues affecting the student or teacher community cannot also be barred. It is submitted that wherever law has been violated during such protests, strict and prompt action in accordance with the law have been taken by the law enforcement agencies,“ the affidavit said.

The affidavit stated that the functioning of the campuses should be free, open and democractic. Democratic protests, dialogues and discussions in a peaceful manner in the campuses shall not be suppressed, it said.

“However, the state would ensure that such activities do not cross the barriers of law.“ Government would also ensure that discipline is maintained to foster academic excellence, the affidavit said.