Sanskrit Varsity SFI Fast Enters Day Four After Supreme Court Denies Exam Relief

The indefinite relay fast by suspended Students Federation of India activists at the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady, Kerala, entered its fourth day on Thursday. The protest continued after the Supreme Court declined to interfere with a Kerala High Court Division Bench order that barred the students from writing their semester examinations.

Court and University Stance

The Supreme Court refused to alter the Division Bench directive, which had set aside an earlier Single Bench interim order that directed authorities to let the suspended students take their exams. The university authorities had filed a caveat in the apex court to ensure no interim order was passed without hearing their side first. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court asked the Single Bench to decide on the students' petition challenging both their suspension and the exam ban.

Protest Demands

SFI activists declared that their protest will continue until university authorities revoke the disciplinary action unconditionally. A university Syndicate meeting on November 2 decided to permit a conditional withdrawal of suspension for 12 out of the 16 students, provided they submit an unconditional apology promising not to break disciplinary rules again. The protesting students refused to tender any apology.

Context

University authorities stated that applicable regulations require strict minimum attendance and governing rules for attendance relaxation, which must be followed consistently without special exemptions. Academic institutions maintain attendance and conduct codes to regulate student behavior and ensure fair standards across all courses of study.