Lucknow University (LU) has not proceeded with further disciplinary measures against a group of 14 students who were issued show cause notices for their alleged involvement in violent activities on campus. The university authorities are still deliberating on the matter, emphasizing a cautious and fair approach.
Show Cause Notices Issued After Campus Clashes
The university's proctorial board issued the formal notices on November 14. The notices were directed at 14 students from various academic programs. The list includes:
- Aman Dubey (PhD)
- Priyarajan Yadav (MSc)
- Shivaji Yadav (MA)
- Pawan Kumar Yadav (BCom)
- Kshitij Singh (BCom)
- Abhishek Kumar (BSc)
- Abhay Pratap Singh (BCom)
- Utkarsh Singh Sikarwar (MA)
- Shivam Kumar Singh alias Shivam Singh Samrat (BA)
- Ayush Singh (BSc)
- Rishendra Pratap Singh (MA)
- Manmohan Shukla (MA)
- Himalaya Bharat (BPEd)
- Prasoon Kumar (BLiSc)
The students were reportedly part of two rival factions—hostellers and day scholars—who clashed multiple times within the university premises over issues of campus supremacy. The formal notices were triggered after First Information Reports (FIRs) were lodged by the opposing groups against each other.
Limited Response and Legal Mandate
The accused students were given a three-day window to submit their replies to the show cause notices. However, only two of the 14 students complied with the directive and submitted their responses within the stipulated time.
According to the UP State Universities Act, 1973, the proctorial board is required to conduct disciplinary inquiries in a fair and time-bound manner. The Act empowers the board to take action, which can range from suspension to rustication, if a student fails to reply within the given period, based on the seriousness of the case.
University Officials Cite Need for Sensitivity
When questioned about the delay in taking action against the defaulting students, LU's Chief Proctor, Rakesh Dwivedi, explained the board's cautious stance. He stated that students come from diverse backgrounds and possess different temperaments. Dwivedi emphasized that any disciplinary step has long-term implications for a student's academic and personal future.
"Therefore, the proctorial board has to act with sensitivity, caution and fairness while dealing with such matters. We are ensuring that due process is followed," Dwivedi said.
Echoing this sentiment, LU spokesperson Mukul Srivastava confirmed that the inquiry is still ongoing. "The university is examining all aspects of the case and will take an appropriate decision in accordance with university rules and statutory provisions once the process is complete," Srivastava stated.
The situation highlights the challenge educational institutions face in balancing strict disciplinary protocols with considerations for student welfare and fair process. The university community now awaits the final decision from the proctorial board as the examination of the violent incidents continues.
