Overview
- Students have maintained an indefinite sit-in and academic boycott on the SRFTI campus, which entered its 25th/26th day as the standoff continued.
- The institute issued a notice on October 16 that suspended regular classes in the Film and Electronic and Digital Media departments until November 13 and ordered students to vacate hostels within 24 hours.
- SRFTI rusticated six students on disciplinary grounds in mid‑October and sent emails to parents urging them to ensure those students leave campus, while the administration says noncompliance amounts to unauthorised occupation.
- Protesting students say the administration has closed the mess since October 17 and restricted access to the gym, music room and screening space, forcing them to run a community kitchen and raising immediate food and shelter hardships for many who come from other states.
- CPI(M) MP John Brittas has asked the central government for urgent intervention and an independent inquiry, a move that could shape whether the conflict moves to formal investigations, dialogue or legal action and will affect the institute’s academic calendar.