Thiruvananthapuram:Kerala University has imposed sweeping restrictions on political activity across its campuses and affiliated colleges, unveiling a new Students’ Code of Conduct (2026) that bans strikes, dharnas, gheraos, sloganeering, and even online mobilisation.
The regulations, framed by the Kerala University Syndicate, prohibit student organisations from soliciting funds, recruiting members, defacing walls with posters or graffiti, or hosting seminars featuring politically affiliated speakers. Only faculty‑supervised academic debates and classroom discussions are exempt, provided they avoid political mobilisation.
Disciplinary Measures
Principals and department heads can suspend students for up to 30 days on prima facie evidence. Serious offences — including violence, assault, or extortion — carry a mandatory one‑year suspension pending inquiry. Penalties range from warnings and transfer certificates to permanent dismissal. Financial liabilities are steep: fines start at ₹5,000 for students and ₹10,000 for political organisations, escalating to ₹1 lakh for repeat violations.
Unpaid fines will be recovered as land revenue, with consequences such as property attachment, withheld exam results, and possible prosecution under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act (1984).
Left union opposes move
The left‑aligned Kerala University Employees Union has denounced the move as “undemocratic,” arguing that campuses should nurture political awareness. The union alleged that the regulations reflect a broader ideological agenda, accusing the RSS of attempting to stifle independent thought among students.
The ban marks one of the most stringent crackdowns on campus politics in India, raising questions about the balance between academic discipline and democratic freedoms.
The University’s move to ban campus politics is likely to face major resistance from the prominent student organisations in the state.
Big win for SFI
Meanwhile, the CPM led student wing SFI registered a massive win in Kerala University union elections on Friday.
The SFI won 29 out of 31 contested colleges in Thiruvananthapuram district. It wrested control of four campuses, which were ruled by the Congress-led Kerala Student Union (KSU).
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