Pune: SPPU Seeks Clarification From Army Law College After 9-Day Student Protest

Maval: Students of Army Law College are protesting regarding the academic, administrative, and mental health deteriorations they face. After 9 days of protest, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has finally sent a letter to the Army Law College. In this letter, they have asked them to clarify their position on the issues raised by the protesting students.

Since 8th August, students haven’t attended classes, boycotting them. However, seniors have claimed they are conducting classes to avoid academic loss for students. Army Law College Principal Madhushree Joshi has denied all the charges.

Protest Video:

According to media reports, the protests are due to the appointment of teachers who don’t have expertise in particular subjects, the dissolution of the student council which voiced students' issues, humiliation and mental harassment of students by the principal, discrimination based on parents’ ranks, adoption of anti-student policies by the college, and the principal failing to conduct mandated lectures in a subject taught by her.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of SPPU Parag Kelkar said that the students’ complaint letter was received. It was attached and sent to the college. “We instructed them to solve the issue and submit a compliance report promptly. Seven days have been given to them to respond, and if a satisfactory reply is not received, we will take action,” he said.

Meanwhile, protesting students have demanded the reinstatement of the Student Council and for it to be made an independent student body. They also demanded the formation of a fact-finding commission with no interference from the current administration or the SPPU, along with the formation of a neutral grievance redressal committee and financial transparency of the college administration.

With around 377 students currently, the Army Law College was started in 2018. It is managed by the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES). It is exclusively for children of army personnel. They offer 5-year integrated BBA LLB and BA LLB courses.

The protest by students began on 8th August. On the first day, police were even present to control the students after being called by the college administration. A senior official from Southern Command also visited the college and spoke with students, but they refused to stop the protest unless the principal was suspended. Many discrepancies and misconduct by college authorities have been alleged by students.

Principal Joshi, however, denied all these allegations, saying the college functions based on UGC and AWES rules. She also denied any mismanagement, stating that applicable and required faculty members are teaching students. The formation of the student council, she said, is carried out in line with existing AWES rules.

She further dismissed claims about denial of sanctioned leave, bias based on parents’ rank, and misuse of college resources, calling them unfounded. Addressing financial concerns, she emphasised that no instance of financial irregularity has ever been reported. She also warned that any individual in a position of responsibility who damages the institution’s reputation would be held accountable. The Deputy Chairman held an interaction with students on August 12.