Hansraj College Suspends 30 Students Over Social Media Posts, Campus Indiscipline

At least 30 students of Hansraj College have been suspended over the past week on charges ranging from defaming the institution on social media to involvement in violence and indiscipline on campus. The action follows a series of five official notices issued between April 20 and 25 by the college administration.

The suspensions, whose duration has not been specified, also include all four office-bearers of the students’ union. They have been barred from entering campus premises except for appearing in examinations.

Principal Rama Sharma defended the decision, stating that the measures were necessary to restore order and maintain the academic environment. She criticised students for making what she described as false allegations against the college on social media platforms.

The first notice, issued on April 20, named a former students’ union president, Parth Srivastava, accusing him of defamation and using derogatory language against staff. The administration claimed he was given multiple opportunities to appear before a disciplinary committee but failed to comply. Srivastava, however, alleged that no proper notice or hearing was provided and has moved the Delhi High Court challenging the action.

Subsequent notices targeted other groups of students for separate incidents. Fourteen students were cited for alleged involvement in physical violence and disruption during the college’s annual fest held on April 8 and 9. Another four were suspended over a separate violent incident on April 15. Additionally, seven students faced suspension for allegedly defaming the college online and disrupting the academic atmosphere.

Students’ union president Abhijit Singh claimed the action was selective and politically motivated, alleging that some of those suspended were active in student campaigns or planning to contest elections.

The administration maintained that the steps were taken in the interest of discipline and to ensure that academic activities remain unaffected, amid rising tensions on campus in recent months.