University of Mumbai’s New Directive Sparks Outrage Among Student Organisations, Protests Planned

Mumbai, 26th September 2024: The University of Mumbai (MU) has implemented a new directive preventing individuals and organisations from holding meetings, protests, hunger strikes, rallies, or gatherings on its campuses without prior approval.

The order, issued by the university’s vigilance and disaster management cell, follows a decision made by MU’s management council at its September 12 meeting. The university stated that the move is aimed at maintaining security and preventing untoward incidents. However, student organisations are voicing strong opposition, accusing the administration of attempting to silence dissent.

This decision aligns with similar actions taken by other institutions in Mumbai. In November 2023, the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay), imposed restrictions on events following controversies surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Likewise, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) revised its honour code, initially banning students from engaging in ‘political or anti-establishment activities’. After backlash, the language was softened to restrict only activities that could disrupt the academic environment or damage the institute’s reputation.

The MU management council cited increasing interference from students, teachers, and political groups as the reason for these restrictions, stating that such activities are hindering the university’s operations. The council has assigned the security department to enforce the new policy and is working on a standard operating procedure (SOP) for addressing student grievances.

In response, student bodies have strongly condemned the circular. The Yuva Sena, the youth wing of Shiv Sena (UBT), called the move an attempt by the university and the state government to suppress the voices of the university community. The group plans to challenge the directive legally once the results of the recent senate elections are announced. In protest, Chhatrabharti, another student organisation, symbolically burned a copy of the circular and vowed to continue organising events without seeking university approval.

University officials were unavailable for comment.