Protest in Karnataka Over Compulsory University Ayudha Puja Order

Protests Against Circular

A group of writers, academics, journalists and social activists has urged the Karnataka Chief Minister and the Higher Education Minister to step in regarding a recent university order. Haveri University issued a circular on October 16 making attendance at its Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja event compulsory for students, teachers, and non-teaching staff.

Constitutional Objections

The October 16 circular directed all departments to ensure presence at the programme held at 10 a.m. on October 19. More than 90 signatories signed a letter objecting to the directive. They argued that forcing participation in a religious event inside a public university harms the secular nature of the institution and goes against the freedom of conscience for students and staff of different faiths or those with no religious beliefs.

Demands and Citations

The signatories pointed to Article 28 of the Constitution, which deals with religious instruction in certain educational institutions, and Article 51A(h) on developing scientific temper and humanism. They demanded that the circular be taken back unconditionally, the university Registrar be suspended and action taken by the Vice-Chancellor, and that priority be given to secular programmes on the Constitution and human rights. Signers of the letter include educationist V.P. Niranjanaradhya, activist Basavaraj Sulibavi, writers K.V. Veerabhadrappa and Sunanda Kadame, journalists Sanath Kumar Belagali and G.P. Basavaraju, and theatre person B. Suresh.

Context

Public universities in India are secular state-funded institutions governed by constitutional norms that separate religious observances from mandatory official activities. Debates often arise when institutional practices intersect with personal religious freedoms in educational spaces.