Ban 'politricks', not student politics: Kerala High Court on plea to ban on campus politics

There cannot be a complete ban on political activities in colleges but harmful practices arising out of student politics should be eliminated, the Kerala High Court orally observed on Friday [Ajoy LS v State of Kerala & ors and connected cases]..A Bench of Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and P Krishna Kumar was hearing writ petitions that have sought a ban on student politics in colleges. "Student politics need not be banned; politricks should be banned ... Politics where teachers and students are hurting each other, strikes are being done obstructing classes that should be banned. Prohibition of political activities cannot be done by us," Justice Mustaque remarked during the hearing. .Justice Mustaque added that students should actually be encouraged to learn about politics and engage in it meaningfully."Everyone should know about politics, they should be engaged in political rights, civil rights and engage in debates. What is now happening in campuses is a different thing. Every citizen of this country should be taught about politics. That impression of politics as bad should not be there, as everyone should inculcate the good values of politics," he said..The judge also emphasised on the need for strict action against violence on campuses and the disruption of classes due to strikes by student political wings."You (petitioner) can highlight the incidents which should not recur in campuses and which should be curbed, we can see to that. Police need not wait for Principal's consent when there is a law-and-order situation happening in a college. Your prayer for prohibition on student politics cannot be granted. What all is being done in the name of religion, (but) we cannot ban a religion. Similarly, what all is done in the name of politics, we cannot ban politics. Counsel, please highlight the vandalism that is repeatedly happening all over the State and what can be done," he said..Three petitions have been filed in the matter, including a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea by a retired High Court employee named N Prakash.The petition was filed in the wake of a violent clash between the Student Federation of India (SFI) and Kerala Students Union (KSU) at Maharajas College, Ernakulam in January 2024, when an SFI student was stabbed. The incident also led to the temporary closure of the college.The petitioners have raised concern over such recurring incidents while calling for a State-wide ban on student politics..The Court on Friday indicated that it is not in favour of a blanket ban on student politics, but decided to examine if there are ways to curb political violence on college campuses. It has called for the State's response in the matter, and posted the case for further hearing on January 23, 2025."Government Pleader is directed to file a statement in response to the writ petition within three weeks. List this matter for further consideration on 23.01.2025," the Court ordered.