India
SRFTI Classes Suspended Until December 11 Amid 42‑Day Protest
The Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) has extended the suspension of classes until December 11, following a 42‑day protest that began on September 27. On Saturday, November 7, 2026, students declared, “This Diwali we choose to resist,” while the institute’s administration said it was “keen” to resume classes. A student union post on the same day noted that Diwali celebrations were “overshadowed by fear, uncertainty and an ongoing struggle for justice,” and that the day they receive justice would be Deepavali.
Registrar Deepak Kumar told The Hindu that faculty and administration were ready to resume classes, but a section of students remained disengaged and were disrupting the institute through repeated violations of rules and orders. He said the institute was inviting students to come forward for constructive dialogue.
As of November 7, at least 25 students had received show‑cause notices, 11 of them issued on November 5. Six students were rusticated, and one FIR was registered against student‑union vice‑president Shubham. Shubham, one of the six rusticated students, was accused of vandalising Vice‑Chancellor Santosh Ajmeera’s office and manhandling him, allegations that the students deny.
Students also claim that two contractual faculty members and five resource persons were terminated for showing solidarity with the protest. Because classes remain suspended, hostels and the mess are closed, and many students—particularly those from outside West Bengal—are living in makeshift tents.
The impasse began after violence erupted on September 27 when a right‑wing RSS‑affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) event on campus clashed with students, leaving several injured. Students have demanded accountability for the authorities’ failure to protect them and have called for the VC’s resignation. The VC has stated that authorities have addressed safety concerns and taken disciplinary action against students for “defacement of premises, provocative writings, intimidation of officials,” and other misconduct.
Published – November 08, 2026 03:56 am IST
Frequently asked questions
Until what date are SRFTI classes suspended?
Until December 11.
How many students received show‑cause notices as of November 7?
At least 25 students.
How many students were rusticated?
Six students.