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Hansraj College suspension row: Parth Srivastava moves to Delhi High Court alleging selective targeting after 29/30 suspensions revoked

By DU Beat May 7, 2026

On 30th April, Hansraj College issued a notice terminating the suspensions of 29 out of 30 students; however, Parth Srivastava’s suspension remains in effect. He has approached the High Court of Delhi under Article 226 and has argued that the suspension violates Parth’s fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(a), and 21 of the Constitution.

Hansraj College terminated the suspension of 29 out of 30 students who were suspended due to alleged defamation, violence, indiscipline and misconduct, which had occurred after the college fest, Confluence 2026. However, one student, Parth Srivastava, the former president of the student union of Hansraj College, is still suspended, and the matter has reached the High Court of Delhi.

The reason for the revocation of the suspended students was because of “…observations made by the Special Core Sub-Discipline Committee and the subsequent recommendations of the Student Welfare and Discipline Committee…”

However, Parth Srivastava is still suspended and has filed a petition to the Delhi High Court challenging his suspension on multiple grounds, including “defaming the college through social media platforms” and using “derogatory language.”

On 29th April, Justice Jasmeet Singh issued a notice which allowed Parth Srivastava to enter the campus to fill his examination form as the last date was on 30th April. The notice also stated that the petitioner will not cause any disruption in the college. But he wasn’t allowed to attend his farewell.

He told DU Beat,

“The person who gave all of his four years to the college and its students was specifically not allowed to attend his own farewell through explicit instructions mentioned in the notice/poster. It was truly very disheartening and shattering for me.”

Filed under Article 226 of the Constitution, pleas that his suspension, which was declared on 20th April, be squashed. In a report by Newslaundry, “[t]he petition argues that the suspension violates Parth’s fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(a), and 21 of the Constitution–the rights to equality, free speech, and life and dignity.” It has also challenged the legitimacy of the Special Core Sub-Discipline Committee, which suspended him.

The petition also seeks to restore all the academic benefits throughout the suspension period and ensure the petitioner is permitted to attend all classes, participate in academic activities, and continue his education without interruption. This had all begun on February 9th, when a controversy arose because the principal of Hansraj College had used the campus for her son’s wedding, which caused a protest that raised questions about the use of public resources for private use.

Later, around February 12 and 16, another controversy sparked by allegations of NIRF data manipulation. Multiple RTIs were filed by Parth, who later received a disciplinary notice with no charges specified. Later, he filed a complaint with the Central Vigilance Commission on 31st March and then, on 20th April, received his suspension letter.

“After the irregularities highlighted by my RTI application and a CVC complaint were forwarded to the CVO, DU on 16th April, my suspension notice was issued just four days later. Further, suspension notices issued to others during the same period have been revoked, while action against me continues, raising concerns about selective targeting,”

Parth Srivastava mentioned in an interview with DU Beat.

On April 1st, the college had uploaded the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which prohibited the students from speaking to the media without prior permission, posting defamatory content on social media, and recording meetings or administrative discussions.

On the day of the college fest, many decisions by the college administration, like restrictions on external artists and forcibly concluding the fest early on day one, caused a 20-hour sit-in protest. Many misogynistic remarks were allegedly made to the female protesters by the principal. The college administration gave in, however, on Day 2 of the fest, but the poor crowd management led to physical violence, harassment, and uncontrolled chaos, which led to police intervention.

Parth admitted to posting videos that criticised the college over fee hikes and administration issues.

Parth’s lawyer, Shaurya Vikram, argued that the suspension order is illegal and driven by malice. According to him, the order was issued without any charges, evidence, or clarification of the committee’s authority, making it invalid. He also pointed out that Delhi University stated in 2023 that it cannot regulate staff social media activity, questioning why the same principle shouldn’t apply to students.

In an exclusive interview with the editorial team of DU Beat, he mentioned that:

“ I was targeted because I’m the only one who’s willing to raise a voice. I received emails from the Special Disciplinary Committee formed by the administration of Hansraj without any proof, show-cause notice or relevant information. People allegedly brought knives and guns to the fest, and their faces were all over the internet, yet no action was taken against them. When a civil crime like alleged “defamation” carries so much weight compared to serious crimes like that, it raises concerns about the priorities of our institutions and the environment they are creating. I have been part of the same administration during my tenure, and I know exactly what goes on there, so I am not one to back down from a fight. We trust the Hon’ble Delhi High Court and the student community that we will get justice. ”

Principal Rama Sharma defended the suspension, saying it was needed to maintain order. She criticised students for making false claims and defaming the college on social media. However, she added that most students come to Hansraj College to study, and their academics shouldn’t be disrupted, as it is a “very prestigious college.”

The next hearing for the court case is on 8th May, 2026.

Image Source: Hansraj College Website

Reva Rawat

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Campus Central

Hansraj College suspends over 30 students due to alleged indiscipline, violence, and defamation

By DU Beat April 26, 2026

Hansraj College administration has gone on a spree of suspending multiple students to allegedly silence their voices and prevent future protests, taking any form of online criticism as “defamation” and participation in protests as “indiscipline”.

The administration of Hansraj College, University of Delhi, has issued orders of suspension for multiple students across departments and years on the grounds of alleged violence, indiscipline, defamation, and misconduct. Among those suspended include the former Students Union President, Parth Srivastava, as well as the current Students Union.

In the past week, Hansraj College has issued 5 orders of suspensions for nearly 30 students

The series of suspensions released by the college administration from 21st April onwards has been issued to nearly 30 students, with the first order released against Mr. Parth Srivastava on grounds of “acts of indiscipline, including defamation of the institution and use of derogatory language against Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff.” The notice further read that Mr. Srivastava was allowed “multiple opportunities to appear before the Committee along with his parents which he failed to attend” in light of which he shall not be permitted to enter the college campus nor participate in any academic or related activities.

The second list of suspensions were issued to nearly 14 students in light of the chaos that ensued at Hansraj College annual fest, Confluence 2026. The notice alleges “violence, misconduct, and breach of discipline” by the list of students and pronounces the suspension as interim.

Suspension order issued to students in light of the violence during Hansraj’s annual fest

Following this, the college issued an additional order of suspension for 4 students alleging ” physical violence, misconduct, and breach of discipline” in light of incidents on 15th April. On 23rd April, the college released a follow-up list suspending nearly 7 students for “acts of defaming the College through social media platforms and engaging in activities that have adversely affected the academic
environment of the institution.”

A student facing suspension, in a conversation with the Editorial Team of DU Beat, said,

“The administration did not inform us of our suspension either by mail or a show cause notice. We found out that we were suspended from a notice circulated in college. The suspension seems intentional considering most of the suspended students were probable candidates for the upcoming election, especially those with 70% and above attendance. The administration justifies the suspension on grounds of public defamation of the college on social media, which seems to be nothing but a hindrance of our democratic rights”.

He however clarified that students were not targeted by their political affiliations as common misinformation is alleging. He added that students across parties like SFI and ABVP had been suspended, however, the protests by ABVP led to the setting up of an emergency committee for inquiry.

The final list of suspended students released on 25th April include the current Students Union members of Hansraj College. The notice prohibits their entrance on college premises but allows their appearance for all examinations and internal assessments.

Abhijit Singh, the President of Hansraj Students’ Union, in an exclusive interview with DU Beat, prior to his suspension said,

These suspensions are intentional and are aimed towards curtailing the democratic rights of the students. Most of the suspended students were probable candidates for the upcoming Union election, and the administration’s suspension was a move to prevent them from being elected and continue the voice of dissent for the students’ rights. Many more students were more actively involved in the protests; however, they have not been suspended as they were not probable candidates for the election.”

He adds,

The administration said that a committee was set up to select the students for suspension; however, no such notice was sent to either the Union or the suspended students, and the orders of suspension were directly rolled out.”

However, Singh declared that a show-cause notice had been issued to the officer bearers of the Students Union which led to him believing that they too would be suspended, which took place within the upcoming days.

Suspension notice issued to the office bearers of the Students Union

This series of unrest among the student body and dwindling trust between the college authorities and students can be traced back to February 2026, when campus infrastructure was used for the wedding of the principal’s son. This use of public resources for a private event became the starting point for a long series of events that continued to generate unrests amongst the student body. The second wave of controversy was sparked by allegations of NIRF data manipulation. Parth Srivastava, a student from Hansraj, filed an RTI for the same. As Hansraj’s annual college fest, Confluence 2026, approached, further chaos erupted, as strict regulations, including a restriction on inviting external artists and an early conclusion of the fest were imposed sparking an outrage that involved 20 hours of overnight protest demanding that the administration uphold its previous commitments. Eventually, the administration gave in, however, on Day 2 of the fest, poor crowd management led to physical violence, harassment, and uncontrolled chaos which led to police intervention.

After the fest, the administration took action and issued these series of suspensions that has left the student body of Hansraj College bewildered and in fear. In a conversation with a student from Hansraj she says,

If actions of alleged physical violence and online “defamation” are given the same degree of punishment by the college authorities then the future of student democracy and freedom of expression within the campus is in question. This process of protests and followed suspensions has become cyclical as students are constantly threatened with suspension and no internal marks if they participate in such protests.

Image Credits: Hansraj College Website

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Campus Central

Student from Ramanujan College Suspended, Admission of Two Others Cancelled

By DU Beat September 26, 2025

A male student from Ramanujan College is suspended for allegedly body-shaming two female students. Two first-year B.Comm students have their admissions cancelled as mutual violence escalates, and another fresher remains suspended for a year for his attack on a senior philosophy student.

Campus fights and verbal assaults are not unheard of, and unfortunately, it is not too often that colleges significantly reprimand these actions. However, Ramanujan College, on September 17th, issued a suspension order on a male student for allegedly body-shaming two female students, making derogatory remarks about their physical appearance. The issued suspension order stated that the student had performed these actions on September 16th. Being suspended for 88 days, he is prohibited from entering the college campus, let alone attending classes or participating in any college activities.

The student’s behaviour was stated as a “serious violation” of the code of conduct of Ramanujan College, and he will remain unable to step inside college premises until December 10th. While some argue that the 88 day suspension was too harsh, others believe that it was necessary for the institution to take a firm stand in order to inculcate the virtues of discipline, empathy and basic civic sense in the student body.

In addition to a case of verbal abuse and the issuing of a suspension order at Ramnujan College, a fight had broken out between two first-year B.Comm students. Both students involved are said to be injured. One of them was in possession of an iron rod. The college condemned the act and stated that possession of weapons of any sort is a serious threat to student safety. The admissions of both these students stand cancelled. Further, with another student from the Philosophy department being severely injured at the hands of a first-year student on September 12th, it can be expected that the college takes stricter measures to prevent any form of violence or assault on campus. The attacker has been given a year-long suspension and a fine of 10,000 rupees.

The college administration has warned that any attempt to violate the suspension will result in stricter penalties, including expulsion. It is hoped that new reforms and stricter enforcement of rules will place student safety as a matter of great priority, making the campus a safe space to learn and thrive.

Featured Image Credits: Ramanujan College Website

Souparnika Rajkumar

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Campus Central

Ramanujan College Principal Suspended by Delhi University Over Harassment Allegations

By DU Beat September 22, 2025

The principal of Ramanujan College, Delhi University, has been suspended following harassment allegations by a faculty member. A probe committee has submitted its report to the Vice-Chancellor, and the case will now be reviewed by the Internal Complaints Committee.

The principal of Ramanujan College, Delhi University, has been suspended after a faculty member accused him of harassment and misconduct. The complaint was filed on March 13, and the suspension was enforced on September 18 following the submission of a probe panel’s report.

University officials confirmed that a three-member committee was constituted to review the allegations. The panel’s findings have been placed before Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh and will now be examined further by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The university has not issued an official statement on the matter so far.

The principal, meanwhile, has rejected the charges. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office on September 13, he termed the allegations as “false, fabricated, politically motivated, and baseless.” He alleged the complaint was “a coordinated effort by the faculty member and her colleagues” to “discredit and remove” him, claiming it was filed soon after her promotion was withheld due to “incomplete documentation”.

He further stated that he has faced “immense mental, emotional, and professional distress” and sought protection against what he described as “malicious and politically driven harassment”. According to him, he was subjected to pressure to clear the promotion and was warned of being framed in a harassment case if he refused.

The principal also questioned the process, arguing that the complaint was not initially forwarded to the ICC as required under the UGC norms and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act. He alleged he was being compelled to resign under the threat of suspension.

“I have never indulged in any inappropriate conduct, sexual or otherwise, with any colleague or individual,” he wrote, appealing for the “dismissal of the unsubstantiated and manipulated charges.”

The ICC will now review the panel’s findings before the university announces its final decision.

Featured Image Source: The Telegraph

Richa Choudhary

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TISS Scholar Suspended for Two Years Due to ‘Anti-National Acts’ and Protests Outside Parliament

By DU Beat May 5, 2024

A Dalit PhD scholar, Ramadas, received a 2-year suspension notice from all TISS campuses after attending a protest march in Delhi, citing them as anti-national activities.

A PhD student has been suspended for two years by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai for engaging in actions that the institution deemed “not in the interest of the nation.” The student’s participation in a protest in Delhi under the PSF-TISS banner is one example of the alleged misconduct. Additionally, Ramadas Prini Sivanandan, 30, pursuing a doctorate in development studies, is not allowed to enter the TISS campuses in Hyderabad, Guwahati, Mumbai, or Tuljapur.

Ramadas had received a notice in March advising him against his activities in the name of the college, following which he received a suspension notice in April. The notice dated March 7 stated that Ramadas misused the institute name by participating in the protest under the banner of PSF-TISS. As per the notice, since PSF is not a recognized student body of the institute, Ramadas using the name created a wrongful impression of the institute, which is funded under the Ministry of Education.

The suspension order refers to a show-cause notice sent to Ramadas on March 7 and states that a committee constituted following the notice submitted its recommendations on April 17. “The Committee recommended your suspension for two years, and your entry shall be debarred across all campuses of TISS,” states the suspension order addressed to Ramadas, adding that the competent authority has accepted the recommendations.

In addition to criticizing Ramadas’ January social media posts, the institute opposed students attending the January 26 screening of the documentary “Raam Ke Naam” because it was “a mark of dishonor and protest against the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya” in its March 7 show-cause notice. Anand Patwardhan’s documentary “Ram ke Naam” has won a national prize previously.

In an interview with The Week, Ramdas, when questioned about using the institutions for his political activities, gave the following reply:

……Secondly, whether we have “misused” the name of TISS or not. The institute asked me to explain it on March 7. I duly replied. I can confirm that I have attended a Parliament march. I was one of the speakers. There is nothing to hide about that. But what is the capacity in which I attended it? Yes, I am a student of TISS. But that is not the only identity that I am holding. I am a citizen of this country. I do have equal constitutional rights as everyone else in this country. Not only me, but all other students who have joined the march. So, all of them belong to some other university. Everyone has the right to attend there. And this was a programme conducted at a place allotted by the Delhi Police—a law enforcing agency of the land. So, if the Delhi Police has no problem, if they are allotting it time, there is nothing unusual taking place. A peaceful gathering and a public meeting taking place, what is wrong with it?

And whether we have used TISS’s name there or not, or pretended that we are officially representing TISS or not. No, we didn’t represent TISS. In every campus in the country, student organisations use the name of the university along with their name to communicate the constituency in which they are working in. So, when PSF works in TISS, it will be PSF-TISS. Not only PSF, there are seven other organisations also doing the same. So, it should not be a problem when one organisation or one individual within an organisation is using it. One of the organisations which is using TISS’s name along with their name is DSSF, which is an ABVP-affiliated organisation. If they can be use it, there shouldn’t be a problem when PSF uses them.

The allegation is we have “misused” it in the Parliament march. There is an official pamphlet jointly undersigned and released by all organisations in which there is no mention of TISS. It was only PSF.”

The Progressive Student Forum, a left-leaning student body Prini Sivanandan is associated with, said the march referred to by the TISS was related to “anti-student policies in the form of the National Education Policy.”.

Featured Image Credits: Onmanorama

Saanvi Manchanda

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Campus Central

St. Stephen’s Rolls Back Suspension of Students over Skipping Morning Assembly, Calls It “Miss-Communication”

By DU Beat February 21, 2024

St. Stephen’s College had allegedly suspended around 100 first-year students last week “for not attending the morning assembly” and debarred them from sitting in the upcoming examinations. On Tuesday, the college withdrew its order, citing miscommunication on the part of the administration.

More than 100 students of St. Stephen’s College had been suspended for not attending the morning assembly after they failed to bring their parents and guardians with them to meet the college principal. The students had also been notified that they would not be allowed to sit for the upcoming semester-end examinations. However, the principal informed the students on Tuesday that this was all a clerical error and that the email was “wrongly worded” as per The Hindu.

Students of St. Stephen’s College received an email on February 4 asking them to set up an appointment along with their parents and guardians with the college principal to discuss the matter of low attendance. As many students failed to comply with this request on short notice, they were sent another email on February 17, informing them that they had been suspended.

The email from Principal John Varghese stated, “This is to bring to your kind notice that there was a prior request for you to meet with the principal regarding low attendance in the morning assembly. Unfortunately, we noted that you were unable to report to the principal’s office as requested. Regrettably, due to non-compliance with this request, I inform you that the students will not be permitted to sit for the upcoming examinations as a consequence of suspension.”

Many teachers from the college had raised concerns about the unexpected suspension and had come forth in saying that the grounds for suspension are not legitimate as the morning assembly is a convention specific to St. Stephen’s College and is not recognised by the university (not to talk of it being a requirement for appearing in the examinations).

The notices had also caused distress among students as many of them do not belong to the Delhi-NCR region and live alone without a guardian; hence, their families couldn’t travel all the way to Delhi “at short notice due to prior commitments, scheduling issues, and financial issues.

The order by the principal was met with a lot of discontent, and as students sat in protest, the college was informed on Tuesday through an email from Principal John Varghese that “it was a miscommunication, incorrectly worded, and my sincere apologies for that. I was also not copied on that email.

“The morning assembly is an old tradition of the college. It is not a religious event, even though small portions of several religious texts are read out. The college encourages all junior members to participate in the morning assembly,” it added.

Image Credits: Hindustan Times

Saanvi Manchanda

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DUB News

Hindu College Suspends Students for ‘Indiscipline’ During Election

By DU Beat November 6, 2023

As a result of the protests and hunger strike staged in September, about 10 students have been suspended for one to four months.

Back in September, Hindu College made news when over 30 nominations for the positions of its ‘Prime Minister’ and ‘Central Councillors’ of the students’ union were rejected. The administration had cited low attendance as the reason, but students called it a purposeful ‘attack on democracy’. Chaos ensued as multiple protests and a hunger strike were staged by the students. About 10 students have been suspended as a result of engaging in ‘indiscipline’ during the events of this election.

The suspensions are to last one to four months, and students will be able to rejoin college after giving an undertaking stating that in the future, they will not partake in the “destruction of institutional property” and not cause “disruption in any manner of academic functioning”. Principal Anju Srivastava has said that the discipline committee of the college took this decision after investigating the issue for several days and that the decision was based on documentary evidence, which found the particular students guilty of offences of damage to college property and disruption of academics.

Further, she added that this action was not taken as a result of protesting by the students but the indiscipline that accompanied it, and that the students would need to provide a written undertaking, promising that such acts of ‘indiscipline’ will not be repeated in the future. One such act of indiscipline that was ordered into inquiry, was that the students didn’t allow the principal to exit her office during one of the protests. However, the rustications are for a finite period, depending on every individual’s level of involvement.

An explanation regarding the reason for their suspension was provided to the rusticated students. The email, dated October 27, read, “Consequent upon explanation furnished by you and proofs of your involvement shown through photos and videos in the possession of the Disciplinary Resource Committee (DRC)… found that your conduct during 15-18 September 2023, falls under the following acts of gross indiscipline under Ordinance XV-B (Maintenance of discipline among students of the university)… willful destruction of institutional property… causing disruption in any manner of the academic functioning of the University System.”

Read also: Rise in DU Law Applications

Featured image source: CNBC News

Arshiya Pathania

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Campus Central

Protesters Demand Suspension of DRC Principal Dr. Savita Roy

By Sanika Singh September 16, 2023

As the Daulat Ram College Principal, Dr Savita Roy, faces casteist harassment allegations from a former staff member, organizations have gathered in the Arts Faculty area of North Campus, DU, to demand the former’s suspension.

Since August 28, 2023, the Bhim Army Student Federation (BASF) and Mission Save Constitution have staged an ongoing, 24/7, sit-in protest that demands the suspension of Daulat Ram College Principal, Dr. Savita Roy. Dr. Roy has been accused of perpetrating caste-based discrimination and firing former ad hoc Assistant Professor, Dr. Ritu Singh, without a show-cause notice.

The case dates back to 2020, when Dr. Singh was allegedly fired without proper notice in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. She came out with accusations against the Principal at the time, saying that the latter took issue with her social activism and political stances. She was also accused of passing casteist remarks and slurs.

Initially, Dr. Singh’s plea was dismissed by both the Sessions Court and High Court and also failed to register as an FIR by the Delhi Police, citing a lack of evidence. Only after she approached the National Commission for Scheduled Castes was an FIR filed last year against the Principal, as well as DU Registrar Vikas Gupta, under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The Quint elaborated on the various accounts under which FIR was filed and chargesheeted: “Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using a forged document or record) of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 3(u) (promoting feelings of ill-will, enmity or hatred against a member of the SC/ST community, through words or signs) and 3(2)vii (committing any offence under this section as a public servant) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989”.

Dr. Singh’s case is being represented by her lawyer, Adv. Mehmood Pracha, who is also the National Convenor for Mission Save Constitution. When the Principal came out with a statement saying that Dr. Singh’s removal had been on the basis of a complaint against her signed by 35 students, Pracha claimed that these 35 students had allegedly not even studied under Dr. Singh.

The Mission’s Delhi Convenor, Rajesh Kumar, said in conversation with DU Beat,

If Dr Savita Roy has been booked under such heinous allegations and had a chargesheet filed against her, how is she still holding this post?

The ongoing protest has been organised by the Bhim Army Student Federation in alliance with Mission Save Constitution and awaits an appropriate response from the University administration and Vice Chancellor.

Featured Image Credits: Vanya Garud for DU Beat

Sanika Singh
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