Prakash Raj Backs Suspended Sankaracharya University Students, Takes On Kerala Government

Actor and activist Prakash Raj on Saturday criticised the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala and Higher Education Minister Roji M John over the suspension of 16 students at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady, and threatened to join their hunger strike if they were not allowed to appear for examinations.

Raj visited the university, where the suspended students have been staging a hunger strike for six days, demanding the revocation of their suspensions and permission to write semester examinations. The controversy originated on August 13, when students affiliated with the Students' Federation of India (SFI) protested during a university syndicate meeting over inadequate campus facilities, including drinking water shortages, hostel restrictions and vacant faculty positions.

The agitation escalated after Theatre Department students staged a street play depicting the symbolic death of their department. While the students said it was intended to highlight institutional neglect, the university alleged that protesters staged a mock cremation of Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas, manhandled her and attempted to damage university property. Two police cases were registered, four SFI activists were arrested and 19 people were booked.

Following a syndicate decision on August 22, the university suspended 16 students on September 1 and constituted a five-member inquiry committee. The committee conducted hearings on September 29 and 30. On November 2, the syndicate offered conditional reinstatement to 12 students if they submitted apology letters and undertakings with their parents, while extending the suspension of the remaining four students by two months. The students rejected the proposal, demanding unconditional revocation.

The dispute subsequently reached the Kerala High Court. On October 30, a single judge provisionally allowed the students to appear for examinations beginning November 4. However, a division bench set aside the order on November 3, citing examination registration, attendance and eligibility requirements. The students then approached the Supreme Court, which on November 5 directed the High Court to decide their substantive petition expeditiously. The university also undertook to conduct special examinations if the students succeeded in their legal challenge.

Criticising the authorities, Raj questioned whether staging a play had become a crime and accused the government and university of suppressing peaceful dissent. Invoking Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B R Ambedkar, he said students should exercise their constitutional rights to question institutions. He demanded evidence supporting the allegations against the protesters and urged the minister to resolve their grievances instead of seeking apologies.