Mumbai University's ban on gatherings, protests sparks outrage; Yuva Sena, MNS threaten legal action

The Mumbai University MU has issued a circular prohibiting any gatherings protests marches hunger strikes or similar activities on its campusesThe administration has mandated that prior permission must be obtained before organizing such events or they will be deemed illegal officials saidThis decision following the MU Management Councilrsquos meeting on September 12 2023 has sparked a wave of backlash from student organisations and activists who accuse the administration of attempting to suppress free expressionThe circular dated September 12 was issued by the Vigilance amp Disaster Management Cell of the Mumbai University It mandates that all departments faculties and employees particularly those in the Arts Design Architecture Science and Technology branches strictly adhere to disaster management protocols and safety guidelinesFurthermore it explicitly states that prior permission from the university administration is required before any group or individual can organize a meeting protest march or demonstration on university grounds Failure to comply will result in legal action the administration warnedMeanwhile Pradeep Sawant a former senate member and representative of Yuva Sena vehemently condemned the circular calling it an attack on the fundamental rights of students teachers and staff As per Circular No SOICD202425328 the university has prohibited any form of public assembly without prior permission We as the Yuva Sena Student Organization strongly condemn this move This is an attempt by the Maharashtra government and the Mumbai university administration to silence the voices of students parents teachers and nonteaching staff Sawant saidSawant also announced that Yuva Sena plans to fight a legal battle to overturn the circular stating that the organisation would pursue action once the results of the recently concluded registered graduate constituency election are declared In the meantime we condemn the cowardly attitude of the Honorable ViceChancellor Sawant addedThe outrage was echoed by Santosh Gangurde a student activist and general secretary of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena MNS at Mumbai University Gangurde accused the university of overstepping its authority and violating constitutional rights It seems the higher authorities at the university lack knowledge of the Indian Constitution By issuing this circular the university is marching towards authoritarian governance with unilateral decisions made recklessly The university administration should revoke this circular immediately Gangurde saidGrowing Opposition to Administrative ControlThe circular has sparked widespread concern among students faculty and activists who fear that such restrictions may stifle free speech and hinder legitimate concerns from being voiced on campusThe university administration however has yet to issue a statement in response to the growing oppositionWhen contacted a spokesperson of Mumbai university said the circular is self explanatory and we do not wish to comment any furtherFor now the future of organized student movements at Mumbai University remains uncertain with many watching closely as the next chapter unfolds This appears to be a preventive measure taken by the university before senate results and the newly elected registered graduate senate members assume their seatsThis also seems to be the agenda of the government to silence student voices in the campus said a student pursuing masters in political science at the university