Several leading higher education institutions across India witnessed student protests in August over issues including convocation guests, campus deaths, admission irregularities, mental health policies and disciplinary action.

At NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, more than 400 students opposed the proposed presence of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant at the convocation. Their objection followed a Supreme Court bench’s refusal to hear a plea concerning alleged police action during the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) later directed state bar councils not to enrol the university’s 2026 graduates as advocates, but withdrew the order within hours. CJI Kant subsequently said he had not accepted the convocation invitation.

At the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, more than 700 students and alumni opposed the proposed attendance of CJI Kant and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at its convocation. The university later cancelled the ceremony, citing “unavoidable circumstances”.

IIT Delhi students protested following the death of a 31-year-old MSc student and demanded an independent inquiry, action against officials and compensation for the family. The institute reconstituted its probe panel under retired Delhi High Court judge Mukta Gupta after former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar recused himself.

At Jamia Millia Islamia, students affiliated with the National Students’ Union of India began an indefinite sit-in seeking transparency in examination results, a review of admissions and accountability for alleged irregularities. The university suspended four students and barred them from entering the campus over what it termed an “unauthorised” protest.

Students at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, also launched an indefinite sit-in over mental health policies, hostel restrictions and disciplinary action. They demanded the revocation of student council general secretary Raj Bagwe’s suspension, which followed an earlier incident involving allegations of a “strip search” on campus.

Inputs from PTI

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