Protests prohibited in Osmania University, says varsity circular

Osmania University circular prohibits protests in academic areas, sparking controversy and student backlash, with demands for withdrawal.

The Osmania University, on March 13, issued a circular prohibiting agitations, protests and demonstrations within its departments, colleges, centres and administrative buildings.

According to the circular, several incidents of students and student groups entering the departments and other academic areas and staging demonstrations are causing disruption of administrative work and “is giving a wrong perception of the university to the society”.

The disruptions are also causing adverse effect on smooth functioning of the university besides security issues.

Accordingly, the circular noted prohibitions on trespassing, staging dharnas and agitations, raising slogans, preventing administrative authorities and staff from discharging their official duties, and using filthy language against university staff and authorities. The circular also noted serious action against violators as per law.

It advised that registered students with grievances first approach the officials concerned at the institution level and then represent to the Registrar and other authorities with prior permission.

As follow-up, the university in a clarified response on Sunday stated that its circular does not impose a blanket ban on student protests at open spaces in the university.

“The restrictions apply exclusively to the academic and administrative spaces within college departments and administrative premises,” it said, and added that the aim was to prevent disprutions that interfere with smooth functioning.