Law & Justice
High Court Reinstates Suspension of SFI Students Over Campus Protest
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday overturned an interim order that had allowed 16 Students Federation of India (SFI) students to sit for exams at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit beginning November 4. The students were suspended on August 13 after staging a protest on campus that included a mock cremation of the vice‑chancellor, who was reportedly manhandled, and attempts were made to damage her car. The university had argued that the suspended students did not meet the attendance requirement and had not cleared internal exams. A division bench of Justices Anil K. Narendran and Muralee Krishna S. upheld the university’s appeal against the single‑judge interim order. The High Court cited a 2017 division‑bench ruling that stated students engaging in dharna, satyagraha or hunger strikes in an educational institution can be expelled or rusticated. The court also noted that the suspended students’ petition lacked pleadings regarding their right to appear for examinations, and that issuing the interim order directed the university to act contrary to the relevant regulations, which is legally impermissible. The students have filed a petition with the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision.
Frequently asked questions
Why were the SFI students suspended?
They were suspended on August 13 after staging a protest that included a mock cremation of the vice‑chancellor, who was reportedly manhandled, and attempts to damage her car.
What did the Kerala High Court decide regarding the suspension?
The High Court overturned an interim order that had allowed the students to sit for exams and reinstated the suspension, upholding the university’s appeal.
What action have the students taken after the High Court decision?
The students have filed a petition with the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision.