Maharaja's College suspends two SFI leaders after convocation protest

What Happened

The council of Maharaja's College, Ernakulam, on Monday, November 2, suspended SFI chairperson V. Praneel Raj and vice‑chairperson Nafeesathul Misriya for disrupting the convocation ceremony on October 30. The disruption began after Higher Education Minister Roji M. John finished his inaugural address and the activists demanded answers about the suspension of 16 students from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady. Minister John, who is also Pro‑Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, left the function midway as the protest continued. The council said the incident broke campus disciplinary norms and drew objections from a section of parents. It formed a five‑member inquiry committee to file a report within ten days.

Reaction

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan condemned the incident, asked SFI to apologise unconditionally and warned of strict legal and disciplinary action. The joint teachers’ samithi staged a silent march on campus on Monday, demanding action against those responsible. SFI state secretary P.S. Sanjeev claimed the suspension was punitive for asking legitimate questions about the 16‑student case. The college maintains the measure was needed to preserve order.

Context

Student protests that interrupt official ceremonies often lead to disciplinary steps, especially when government officials are present.