Campus Reform: Jadavpur University Faces Court Mandates on Safety and Governance

Ensuring Order: Court Directs Jadavpur University to Address Security and Discipline Issues

The Calcutta High Court directed Jadavpur University on 27 March not to invite any politicians to functions organised on its campus. A division bench, led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, stated that if the situation at the university was not conducive, it was unclear why important individuals should accept invitations, as their presence could have a negative impact. Consequently, the court ordered that the university refrain from conducting any functions or seminars involving political figures. The bench specified that if such events were to be held, they should be organised with the participation of academicians instead.

This directive came after the court heard a petition addressing concerns about lawlessness and indiscipline on the campus. The petition followed an incident in which a group of students allegedly attacked the car of West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu during his visit to the university. The incident resulted in one student being injured, and a union room was reportedly set on fire by some students. Basu had attended the annual general meeting of the West Bengal College and University Professors’ Association (WBCUPA), which is the teachers' wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the state. The high court was informed that a private security agency was responsible for handling the university’s security, and the police could only enter the campus upon the request of the university authorities.

The bench raised concerns regarding whether a private security agency could provide adequate security for the students, teachers, and non-teaching staff, expressing doubts about its sufficiency. The bench noted that these doubts were based on a prima facie view, particularly considering the large number of FIRs filed since 2014 related to the university. The court also questioned why the university had not sought police assistance from the state government. The issue was set to be addressed at the next hearing.

The court was informed that since 2014, at least 23 FIRs had been lodged with the Jadavpur police station related to incidents on the university campus. The bench suggested that the university should first take action to remove individuals who were no longer students. The petitioner also requested the deployment of armed police or central forces under the supervision ofthe  Kolkata Police, the establishment of a permanent police outpost on campus, and the formation of a special investigation team to probe past and future crimes at the university. The court directed the university to file an affidavit within three weeks, detailing the measures taken to improve campus safety and regulate the entry of outsiders. Additionally, the high court directed the university to file an affidavit within three weeks, outlining the steps taken to ensure safety and security on the campus.

Editor’s Note:

The recent directive by the Calcutta High Court to Jadavpur University marks a decisive step toward addressing campus lawlessness and ensuring that academic spaces remain focused on education and research. By prohibiting political figures from attending campus events, the court aims to mitigate potential disruptions and reinforce the importance of an environment conducive to scholarly pursuits. This move also serves as a reminder for educational institutions to prioritise the safety and well-being of their students and staff by adopting robust security measures and fostering discipline. With incidents such as attacks on political representatives and lapses in campus security under scrutiny, Jadavpur University must implement reforms and file a comprehensive affidavit outlining its actions. The court's intervention highlights the need for universities to act decisively in removing unauthorised individuals and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to ensure order. 

According to Skoobuzz, this development is a significant opportunity for Jadavpur University to lead by example in creating a safe and secure academic environment.