Gauhati University takes action against three students over 'anti-varsity' activities

Gauhati University expelled a student and suspended two others for indulging in “anti-varsity” activities following an “objectionable Facebook post” and an RTI seeking the university’s financial status. An India Today report states that an order dated 28 May expelled Milton Handique for life while Rejaul Karim and Writtick Saikia were rusticated for one year each. It was signed by the university’s secretary, Hemanta Nath and was handed over on 30 May. [caption id=“attachment_2807504” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Gauhati University. Facebook/Gauhati University[/caption] The notification issued said, “…after completion of the enquiry and hearing conducted by the Residence, Health and Discipline Board (R.H&D), GU, in its meeting held on 22-04-2016 and as approved by the vice-chancellor, Gauhati University, dated 27-05-2016, disciplinary actions have been taken." It further added that the enquiry has found the students “guilty of indulging in activities detrimental to the university amounting to indiscipline.” Handique and Karim are students of the University Law College while Saikia is a mass communication student. Handique collapsed as soon as he was handed the notice by the police, claimed his colleagues. A Hindustan Times report quoted a university students’ leader as saying, “He (Handique) is in the ICU of a private hospital where he was taken after the university hospital declined to admit him.” In their defence, an official of the Gauhati University said, “Handique had become a habitual rule-breaker. He also publicly posted derogatory remarks against the university authorities on social media,” according to a Times of India report. “The other two students have been filing RTI queries in many departments. When they did not get answers from some, they threatened to lock those departments,” he added. NSUI and a section of the students termed the suspensions “too harsh” and demanded a withdrawal. A Chhatra Mukti Sangram Samiti member has threatened protests against the university’s “dictatorial” move if the order is not revoked.