calcutta-hc-orders-to-deploy-special-forces-at-ju

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the state government to deploy special forces, if required, to restore normalcy in Jadavpur University. The Chief Justice's Division Bench also ruled that no seminars or meetings involving political leaders or other significant figures can be held on the university campus.

 

The court's ruling comes in response to recent tensions at Jadavpur University, particularly after an incident involving education minister Bratya Basu.

 

In mid-March, the minister attended a meeting of professors having allegiance to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) on campus, which sparked protests from a section of students. During the commotion, his car was allegedly attacked. Two students sustained injuries when the car moved under the minister’s alleged instruction, further escalating tensions on campus.

 

 

Following the incident, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed, demanding the establishment of a permanent police camp within the university. The court, while addressing the matter, raised concerns about the incident in the university. The Chief Justice questioned why the minister chose to visit the campus despite being aware of the volatile situation.

 

During the hearing, Trinamool MP and lawyer Kalyan Banerjee described the situation at Jadavpur University as "Gunda Raj" (lawlessness), citing multiple FIRs and previous incidents, including a molestation case in 2014. He criticised the university’s administration, claiming it had failed to maintain order.

 

"There are unruly elements running wild in Jadavpur University. The university is doing nothing. We are helpless," Banerjee stated.

 

In response, the court sought details from the state government regarding the implementation of its proposed measures to improve security at the university. The Chief Justice also questioned the university’s reluctance to involve the state police, emphasising that private security personnel lack authority and weapons.

 

The university’s lawyer, Riju Ghoshal, informed the court that a request had already been made to the higher education department for security assistance.

 

Following these discussions, the court issued a strong directive stating, "Deploy special forces if necessary and those who are not students of the university should be driven out first."

 

This ruling marks a significant step in addressing security concerns at Jadavpur University, where tensions have persisted over political involvement and campus unrest.