NOT SURPRISING that Lucknow University Vice Chancellor RP Singh has reiterated his commitment to abide by the new Supreme Court ruling on the student union poll. But the million-dollar question is: can LU actually implement it? The existing High Court ruling on student union was enough to stem the rot had LU and district administration implemented it in right earnest.
In its order, high court had stated in strict terms that student leaders with criminal records should not be allowed to contest elections. But the clause was violated. Now, SC has put age limit and slapped other clauses like of 75 per cent compulsory attendance for student leader to contest poll, etc. These clauses should surely make university administration sweat hard. At a time when student leaders with criminal background were given admissions, can LU stop them from contesting the elections?
The issue of implementation of the SC ruling is causing most anxiety. But this does not perturb LU V-C RP Singh at all. V-C says: “Supreme Court ruling is the law and non-adherence to it would be contempt of court. Already, I’ve instructed teachers to take regular attendance in classes. There is no reason why the 75 per cent attendance clause could not be adhered to.”
Says Pro V-C RS Yadav: “There is no doubt that now we have adhere to the SC ruling. It is expected from the district administration to come forward and co-operate.”
{{/usCountry}}Says Pro V-C RS Yadav: “There is no doubt that now we have adhere to the SC ruling. It is expected from the district administration to come forward and co-operate.”
{{/usCountry}}Dean Student Welfare Nishi Pandey added: “We would develop a mechanism so that university could adhere to the SC ruling. Once we get the true copy of the SC ruling, we would sit together and formalise things.”
When contacted, principal of Shia PG College MS Naqvi said head of the educational institutions would just love to implement the SC ruling on the student union. “But what comes to my mind is can we actually introduce the same until the State Government adopts it. This needs to be ascertained. Legal opinion needs to be sought on this issue,” he said.
While student leaders have flouted HC order putting up posters, banners at every nook and corner of the city, can SC order be implemented in its true spirit? LU officials, however, are not apprehensive at all. According to them, if district administration and police extended full cooperation, can do any wonders? According to them, the onus is on LU whether to give admission to students with criminal antecedents or not.