The University of Hyderabad said on Tuesday that the five suspended students had apologised and appealed for reconsideration of punishment and the same will be considered by the executive council in a forthcoming meeting.
Issuing a clarification on various versions about the suspension, Registrar Devesh Nigam said the students met the Vice-Chancellor on June 20 and gave an unconditional apology.
“They have appealed for reconsideration of their punishment,” the statement read. But it also added that the protests by students Monday onwards was to exert pressure on the university administration. “This behaviour appears coercive in nature,” it noted.
It said that despite the administration’s repeated advisories and efforts to coordinate suitable dates, and the decision not to permit the event during the vacation period basing on logistical challenges highlighted by law enforcement agencies, the Union persisted in proposing dates conflicting with the academic calendar.
The protest was also not peaceful, said the university. “This action at 1 a.m. caused substantial disturbance to the VC, his 95-year-old mother, and other residents, necessitating intervention to ensure safety and order. Students refused to vacate the premises in spite of appeals by senior officers like Dean,” the clarification stated.
The suspension of the students followed due process and consultations with relevant university bodies, including the Proctorial Board and disciplinary committees, it added.
Condemning the action of the administration, Students’ Federation of India said that the university since long adopted an “anti-student policy and has now crossed all limits in their tolerance towards democratic student voices”. The university completely ignored the democratic movement. The students are all from minority backgrounds, it noted, calling for action.