Maharaja's College graduation ceremony chaos: Union chairperson, vice chairperson suspended

Kochi: Two student leaders have been suspended at Maharaja's College in Kochi following disruptions during the institution's graduation ceremony attended by Higher Education Minister Roji M John among others. The College Council, which convened on Monday, placed Union chairperson V Praneelraj and vice chairperson Nafeesathul Misriya under a 10-day suspension pending an inquiry into breach of discipline.

In response to the disciplinary action, the Students' Federation of India (SFI) organised a protest march on the campus. SFI office-bearers condemned the decision as a vindictive measure and announced plans to hold a student rally and gathering on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Joint Teachers' Association of Maharaja's College staged a silent march on campus to protest the disruption of the graduation ceremony by a section of SFI-led students.

Sanskrit University reinstates 12 students

In a separate development, the Syndicate of Sri Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady decided during an online meeting to conditionally reinstate 12 out of 16 students who were under suspension. The decision to revoke the suspension for the 12 students was taken as their 60-day suspension period got over. To regain entry, the students must submit an apology letter and provide a written undertaking alongside their parents declaring that they will not participate in violent agitations.

However, four students – Shyamjit, Shraddha, K V Abhijit and P S Archana - will remain suspended for an additional two months for violating suspension terms by entering the campus during their penalty period. Shyamjit serves as the SFI unit secretary, while Archana is the unit president.Disciplinary Committee convener and Syndicate member Adv K B Sabu stated that all 16 students suspended following violent incidents during the August 13 Syndicate meeting were found guilty. The Syndicate did not deliberate on the academic examination status of the suspended students, as the matter remains pending before the court. Expressing disagreement with the Syndicate's decisions, MLA Premkumar walked out of the online meeting.