St. Stephen's College suspends over 100 students for morning assembly absence

PTC News Desk: St. Stephen's College, a prominent institution under Delhi University, has stirred controversy by suspending more than 100 first-year students for alleged non-attendance at the morning assembly. According to reports from a faculty member, the college authorities have warned that these students could face further repercussions, including being debarred from semester two examinations.

The disciplinary action came to light when the college administration sent out emails to the affected students on February 4, instructing them to schedule appointments with the college principal, with a request for their parents' presence during the meeting. Subsequently, on February 17, a follow-up email was dispatched to the students, notifying them of their suspension and the potential consequences of not arranging the requested appointments.

In response to these measures, both students and faculty members have raised concerns and appealed to Principal John Varghese for the immediate revocation of the suspension orders. Students emphasised the logistical challenges faced, particularly for those whose parents reside outside the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), making it difficult to arrange appointments on short notice.

In an email communication to the principal and college authorities, students articulated their predicament, noting their efforts to comply with the directives, despite encountering obstacles in securing appointments without parental presence or response to their emails.

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Expressing solidarity with the affected students, Associate Professor Sanjeev Grewal voiced shock over the situation, highlighting the potential infringement of students' fundamental rights. Grewal argued that compelling attendance at the morning assembly could be construed as a violation of constitutional provisions safeguarding religious freedom and minority rights.

The controversy has sparked debates within academic circles about the appropriateness of punitive measures for attendance at non-academic events and the broader implications for students' rights and academic pursuits. As tensions escalate, stakeholders await further developments and potential resolutions to this contentious issue at St. Stephen's College.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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