Visva Bharati University Student Protests: Calcutta High Court Seeks Police Report, Orders Personal Appearance Of SP

The Calcutta High Court on Monday directed the Superintendent of Police, Birbhum to submit a report addressing the grievances expressed by the authorities of Visva Bharati University amid the ongoing protests by more than 200 students inside the University campus demanding the immediate reopening of hostels and the conduct of online examinations. 

Justice Rajasekhar Mantha had earlier granted police protection to the Registrar, Assistant Registrar and the management of the University so that they are able to carry out their day to day duties inside the campus without any obstruction from the agitating students.

On Monday, the Court was apprised that the students were continuing to obstruct the functioning of the University authorities and that since examinations are impending the students are likely to suffer. 

It was further contended that although the earlier order of the Court dated March 3, 2022 had been communicated at 2pm on the same day to the Superintendent of Police, Birbhum and the Officer-in-Charge, Santiniketan yet the University officials had been freed from the gherao only at 1:30 am on the next day.

Such allegations were however vehemently denied by the opposing counsel by contending that the students are not blocking or obstructing the functioning of the university.

Taking cognisance of the grievance raised, the Court observed, 

"The Superintendent of Police, Birbhum shall in the meantime ensure that the University functions normally and without obstruction."

The Superintendent of Police, Birbhum was also ordered to submit a physical report before the Court on the grievances raised and appear before the Court via virtual mode on March 8 at 10:30 am. 

Case Title: Visva Bharati and Anr v. State of West Bengal and Ors

Click Here To Read/Download Order