The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has denied immediate relief to a female law student suspended for posting against Operation Sindoor on social media. This student, in her final year, is enrolled at Symbiosis Law School in Nagpur.
The student seeks suspension revocation
Justice Rohit Joshi, in his order dated May 14, stated that the college's decision seems 'administrative' rather than 'punitive.' The student had filed a petition in court seeking revocation of her suspension and the investigation process.
The college suspended her when she was found with Rajsas Madepaddi aka Siddique, an independent journalist and a member of the Democratic Students Association (DSA) from Kerala. Siddique was arrested on May 7 for a post criticizing India’s military operation 'Sindoor' in Pakistan.
Student barred from exams
While the student was summoned for questioning by the police, she was not arrested. The college referred the matter to the Campus Discipline Committee (CDC), which decided on May 13 to extend her suspension, barring her from sitting for exams.
In her petition, the student stated her exams were to commence from May 15. The court instructed the college to complete the inquiry by May 25 and disclose the findings. Should the student be cleared of charges, the college will conduct a special exam to prevent academic loss.
The court noted that 'issuing a suspension order while an investigation is pending falls under administrative rights.' The next hearing in this case is scheduled for May 27.
The suspension was announced post interaction with a journalist on 7th May.
9th May
: Summons by police.
13th May
: Suspension reaffirmed by CDC.
