Shillong, Jul 21: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has urged the NIT Meghalaya to immediately withdraw certain clauses in the Declaration and Undertaking Form, alleging they infringe constitutional rights and create “an atmosphere of fear” on campus.
In a letter to the NIT Director, the union objected to Clause 4 mandating 100 per cent attendance for all students and allowing punitive action for any shortfall, irrespective of reason. While acknowledging the need for discipline, KSU said the rule is arbitrary as it makes no exception for medical emergencies, bereavement, internships or research, and grants “unguided discretionary power” to the institute.
The union also opposed an undertaking barring students from participating in any agitation or joining any union or association, with admission liable to be terminated for violation. The KSU argued the clauses violate Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b) and 19(1)(c) of the Constitution, protecting free speech, peaceful assembly and the right to form associations.
Citing the Ramlila Maidan and Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan Supreme Court judgments, along with Delhi HC’s Nadia v. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University and DU v. Anand Vardhan Chandal rulings, the union said universities cannot restrict peaceful expression or ban lawful student bodies.
“Educational institutions should be centres of democratic participation. Students cannot be compelled to surrender constitutional freedoms to pursue higher education,” KSU stated, adding that while violence and disruption can be prohibited, peaceful dissent cannot.
