Kerala Sanskrit University students move Supreme Court against exam ban

Sixteen suspended students of Kalady Sanskrit University, Kerala, have knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court. These students have challenged an order passed by a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court, which imposed a ban on them appearing for examinations. With only a few hours remaining before the exams commence, the students have requested the court for an urgent hearing. Their petition is to be presented today before the Chief Justice of India.

According to an NDTV report, Advocate K. R. Subhash Chandran is representing the students. The Supreme Court's decision will be critical for the academic future of these students, as they risk losing the opportunity to take their exams if the petition is not accepted.

The entire controversy began with a protest on campus on August 13. It is alleged that during this protest, the University Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Sisa Thomas, was physically assaulted. Following this incident, the university suspended 16 students. Among these suspended students are 10 PhD researchers, while the other 6 students were eligible to appear for the examinations.

Regarding the legal proceedings, a single judge of the Kerala High Court had previously passed an order allowing the suspended students to sit for the exams. However, the university challenged this single-judge order. The university argued in court that the suspended students did not meet the mandatory attendance requirements necessary to appear for the exams. Based on these arguments, the Division Bench of the High Court overturned the previous single-judge order and withdrew the relief granted to the students.

Meanwhile, a proposal was put forward by the University Syndicate. The Syndicate offered to reinstate 12 out of the 16 students on the condition that they submit an apology letter for their mistake. However, the students rejected this proposal from the university.

On the other hand, the Students Federation of India (SFI) has intensified its protests on the university campus. The SFI performed a controversial street skit, which included a scene of a mock funeral. A similar play in August had previously caused a major uproar and was one of the primary reasons for the students' suspension.

The SFI union has now again performed the same mock funeral play in protest against the disciplinary action taken by the university and the High Court's verdict. SFI leaders have made it clear that their agitation will continue.

All eyes are now on the Supreme Court, as the proximity of the examination schedule means the court's decision will determine whether these students get the chance to appear for their exams.