Lucknow: The Lucknow University administration issued show-cause notices to 13 students on Tuesday for staging a protest against a proposal to implement a dress code in colleges and universities across Uttar Pradesh. The notices were served after the demonstration allegedly caused traffic congestion on the busy route between Hanuman Setu and IT College.
Details of the Incident
According to the official notice, the students gathered at Gate No. 1 of the university and attempted to block the thoroughfare, disrupting vehicular movement and raising concerns over public order. The university authorities deemed the protest as a violation of discipline and have sought an explanation from the students within a stipulated time frame.
Ongoing Indefinite Protest by Expelled Students
Separately, the indefinite protest by expelled students at Lucknow University intensified on Tuesday, with several former student union office-bearers extending their support to the agitators. The expelled students have been staging a sit-in for the past week to protest the university’s decision to expel them on charges of obstructing the vice-chancellor’s movement. They claim that the university did not conduct a fair investigation before taking the extreme step.
The students have maintained that they were merely demanding a reduction in the fee hike when the alleged incident occurred. They argue that their expulsion was an overreaction and that they were exercising their democratic right to peaceful protest.
Background
The dress code proposal, which has sparked widespread debate, aims to standardize attire in higher educational institutions across Uttar Pradesh. While proponents argue that it will promote discipline and equality, critics contend that it infringes upon students' personal freedom and cultural expression.
The university administration has yet to comment on the ongoing protests and the show-cause notices. However, sources indicate that the matter is being taken seriously and further action may follow based on the students’ responses.
Meanwhile, the city police have been deployed in large numbers near the university campus to prevent any untoward incidents. The traffic police have also made alternative arrangements to ease congestion on the affected route.
