Thiruvananthapuram, Objections have mounted against a draft Kerala University Students’ Code of Conduct Regulations that propose restrictions on political activities on campus and at affiliated colleges, even as university officials say nothing has been finalised or implemented.
Unpaid fines would be treated as arrears and could lead to procedures including revenue recovery and potential property attachment, withholding of examination results and criminal proceedings under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. They said students involved in violent activities could face a one-year suspension, while proposed penalties include ₹ 5,000 for students, ₹ 10,000 for political organisations and ₹ one lakh for repeated violations.
The university syndicate recently considered the draft regulations, which include restrictions on student organisations conducting protests, dharnas, recruiting new members, putting up posters and graffiti on walls, soliciting funds, organising events featuring political personalities and conducting online campaigning, according to members of the Left-aligned Kerala University Employees’ Union. Union members said the draft gives heads of departments on the university campus and principals of affiliated colleges powers to take action, including suspension, against students found violating the proposed rules. The union said it will launch protests if the regulations are implemented, alleging that such restrictions would curtail students’ participation in organisational activities.
Vijayan Advocates for Student Political Rights
In a recent statement, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized that the Constitution grants every citizen aged 18 and older the right to vote and engage politically. He criticized efforts to restrict young people’s ability to think politically and organize within educational institutions, deeming such actions unconstitutional and a form of depoliticization.
Vijayan argued that democratic societies must protect campuses as spaces for ideological dialogue and the struggle for rights. He called on the public to oppose any orders that undermine the constitutional rights of students.
