A student organisation has alleged that the University of Madras cancelled the admission of one of its members in retaliation for his involvement in campus-related activism, calling it "casteist vendetta." According to a statement issued by the Revolutionary Students–Youth Front (RSYF), the student, who had completed an M.A. in Public Administration at the university, had enrolled in the M.A. Indian Philosophy programme for the 2026–2028 academic year and had been attending classes for two months.
The organisation said the student had requested hostel accommodation at the university’s Taramani campus due to difficulties commuting from his hometown. After the hostel administration declined the request, he submitted a formal representation to the Registrar on September 7. The next day, he received a letter informing him that his admission had been cancelled. The letter cited alleged violations of student conduct rules during the previous academic year and stated that the university was empowered to consider past conduct while deciding on admissions.
The RSYF said no disciplinary proceedings or inquiry had been initiated against the student in the previous year and claimed that his involvement in campaigns related to campus facilities, student welfare, and issues concerning Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students had led to the cancellation. The organisation said he had participated in protests seeking improvements such as toilet facilities, drinking water, campus security, and classroom infrastructure. It also said he had approached the Madras High Court regarding the construction of a women’s hostel and had organised events and campaigns addressing caste discrimination.
The statement further alleged that complaints relating to caste-based discrimination involving senior university officials were pending before the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. It also referred to an incident during a student-organised festival in which the Registrar reportedly questioned the invitation extended to a political leader.
The RSYF linked the cancellation to broader concerns about restrictions on student activism, referring to a previously withdrawn circular from the state’s Higher Education Department advising students not to join certain organisations or participate in protests. The organisation said the university’s decision reflected an attempt to discourage student participation in democratic activities.
The RSYF described the cancellation of admission as an action that could affect the rights of the wider student community. It urged the university to reinstate the student’s admission, reconsider his hostel request, conduct regular grievance meetings for SC/ST students, and ensure transparent inquiry processes for complaints related to discrimination. It also called for safeguarding the right of student organisations and representatives to raise concerns and hold peaceful demonstrations.
Comments