No Netas In Campus: Calcutta High Court Says Only Academicians Should Be Welcome In Jadavpur University

New Delhi: The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed Jadavpur University to refrain from inviting political figures to its events, emphasizing that only academicians should participate in university programs. 

Court Questions Minister's Visit Amid Chaos

The directive follows an incident involving West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu, whose vehicle was allegedly damaged during a visit to the university. A division bench, led by Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Chaitali Chatterjee (Das), questioned why the minister accepted the invitation despite the volatile situation on campus.  

The court, responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), expressed concerns over the alleged political influence on campus unrest and mandated that future university events remain strictly academic. On March 1 students protested near the minister’s car. During the chaos, a student was allegedly injured after being hit by the vehicle. 

Several FIRs have since been registered, including one filed by the injured student following an earlier court order. The petitioner argued that a faction of politically affiliated students was fueling lawlessness, jeopardizing the safety of both teaching and non-teaching staff. 

Jadavpur University’s counsel informed the court that a virtual meeting led by the vice-chancellor was held on March 15 to address security concerns. 

The court has directed Jadavpur University to submit an affidavit within three weeks detailing the implementation of its security measures. It further said only registered students should be allowed on campus or in hostels, strictly with university permission.