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Panjab University Drops 'No-Protest' Affidavit as Punjab Plans Court Fight Over Governance Overhaul

The state’s court move follows a week of student protests over the Centre’s Section 72-led restructuring of PU’s elected bodies.

Overview

  • PU withdrew the affidavit that restricted demonstrations and will inform the Punjab and Haryana High Court of the rollback, prompting the PUCSC general secretary to end a seven-day hunger strike.
  • Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said his government will challenge the Centre’s notification in the High Court and has proposed forming a panel of specialist lawyers, with the issue to be raised in the assembly.
  • The Centre’s late-October notification cut the senate to 31 members, abolished the graduates’ constituency, and recast the syndicate into a largely nominated administrative council.
  • University and central officials maintain the changes are lawful under Section 72 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act and align with NEP-driven governance reforms, noting the Centre provides the bulk of PU’s funding.
  • Student sit-ins and gate blockades drew support from multiple political leaders, and organisers say protests will continue over the governance changes despite the affidavit’s withdrawal.