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Objections have grown over a draft Kerala University Students' Code of Conduct that proposes curbs on political activity on the university campus and in affiliated colleges. University officials, however, said the regulations are only in draft form and have neither been finalised nor implemented.
The Kerala University Employees' Union has opposed the proposal, calling it undemocratic and an attempt to limit student politics. Pinarayi Vijayan also criticised the move, saying efforts to push politics and political awareness out of campuses reflected fear of a questioning generation.
The draft regulations were recently discussed by the university syndicate. According to members of the Left-aligned Kerala University Employees' Union, the proposals would restrict student organisations from holding protests and dharnas, enrolling new members, putting up posters and graffiti, collecting funds, organising events featuring political personalities and carrying out online campaigns.
They said the draft would also empower heads of departments on the university campus and principals of affiliated colleges to act against students found violating the rules, including by suspending them.
Union members said students involved in violent activities could face suspension for one year. They said the proposed penalties included a fine of Rs 5,000 for students, Rs 10,000 for political organisations and Rs 1 lakh for repeated violations.
Unpaid fines would be treated as arrears and could lead to steps such as revenue recovery, possible attachment of property, withholding of examination results and criminal proceedings under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
The employees' union said it would launch protests if the regulations were brought in, alleging that the move would curb students' participation in organisational activity.
Kerala University Registrar Resmi R told PTI on Sunday that only a draft had been prepared and that it was yet to be finalised.
"The syndicate meeting discussed the Code of Conduct Regulations, and only a draft based on a similar code at MG University, Kottayam, and a High Court order has been prepared. The final code will be brought out only after discussions with stakeholders, including students," she said.
She added that no order had been issued to implement the proposed regulations.
In a Facebook post on Saturday night, Vijayan said the decision appeared to be part of an agenda of those disturbed by student movements seen across the country.
"If those behind this anti-democratic decision do not withdraw from it, Keralam is certain to witness strong protests," he said.
He said the Constitution gives every citizen who turns 18 the right to vote and take part in choosing governments, and argued that denying young people the right to think politically, organise and respond while studying was unconstitutional and amounted to complete depoliticisation.
Vijayan said campuses and student movements had played an unparalleled role in the country's social and political development since the freedom struggle.
"From the anti-British struggle to resistance against authoritarian moves in independent India, the student community has fought from the forefront at all crucial stages," he said.
He added that campuses had often acted as catalysts in shaping the country's political direction and said a complete ban on political activity on campuses with such a history could not be accepted.
He also said democratic societies must preserve campuses as spaces for ideological dialogue and struggles for rights, and added, "The public should come forward against such orders that take away the constitutional democratic rights of students."
The draft code has triggered opposition from the university employees' union and criticism from Vijayan, while Kerala University has said the proposal remains under discussion and no final decision has been taken.
(With PTI inputs)
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