The college suspended over 20 students for two months and fined them INR 10,000 for “protesting against the principal” and allegedly “damaging college property”. Around 15 students have been issued a notice and fine of INR 10,000 for allegedly defrauding vendors called for the fest.
Several students and ABVP members protested against DU's Hindu College decision for putting fine on students for “protesting against the principal” last month over the annual fest as well as for purported “financial fraud” during the event. The college suspended over 20 students for two months and fined them INR 10,000 for “protesting against the principal” and allegedly “damaging college property”. Around 15 students have been issued a notice and fine of INR 10,000 for allegedly defrauding vendors called for the fest. Some students had been served both notices, the sources said.
While speaking to the Indian Express, Hindu College Principal Anju Srivastava said, “Certain arrangements by students in the annual festival involved financial irregularities to which they have owned up. It was brought to our notice from confirmed sources that students indulged in financial fraud with certain vendors.” Srivastava said many of those served notices were part of the protests along with the team responsible for “financial irregularities”.
“The protest is not unwelcome, but they resorted to humiliating acts and damage to college property… The fine of Rs 10,000 is for damaging property,” she added.
Harsh Attri, state secretary, ABVP, claimed, “Students have been protesting since Wednesday evening, demanding withdrawal of suspension letters. The delegation met the administration today; they assured us that after a review, suspension letters of all students who participated in the peaceful protest will be withdrawn. Meanwhile, students will not be restrained from appearing for exams and pressured to pay the fine.”
To which, Srivastava said: “Students have made a representation and submitted their appeal. I have passed it on to the disciplinary convenor who will look into it.” College officials told that a few students have already paid the fine, but could not confirm the amount or the number of them who paid.
Hindu College fest Mecca was held on April 27 -28. Students claimed the college had reduced the festival’s days from three to one, but the latter denied it.