Kozhikode: The National Institute of Technology Calicut has slapped a fine of Rs 33 lakh on five students 'to claim proportionate damages for loss of a working day' due to a call for strike against the imposing of night curfew on the campus.
As per the show cause notice issued by the Registrar, Rs 6,61,155 each has to be recovered from Vyshakh Premkumar, Kailash Nath, Irshad Ibrahim, Adarsh J and Ben Thomas. NIT has given the students seven days to reply 'positively' to the show cause or face further action.
NIT had imposed 'night curfew-like regulations' on the campus on March 20, which led to widespread opposition. Students vehemently opposed the move and blockaded the entrance to the Institute, which prevented the staff from entering the campus. "The access denial went on for the whole day despite a request from various authorities resulting in loss of working day for the Institute," the NIT states in its notice.
"...your misconduct has caused irreparable loss of a productive working day (March 22) to the Institute. In this background, considering the financial loss suffered by the Institute, it is informed that the Institute is entitled to recover the damages for loss," the notice issued to the students reads.
Four of the students, except Vysakh, are members of the NIT's Student Welfare Council. Kailash Nath is the Speaker of the council. Vysakh, who is a Dalit student, was suspended for displaying a placard against the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. The suspension was later put on hold due to mounting protests. Vyshakh and Kailash were assaulted on the campus for their protests.
When contacted, Dr Sunitha M S, Chairperson of NIT Media Cell, denied being given an official communication on the latest disciplinary action against the students. Abin P James, former deputy speaker of Students Affairs Council, wrote an open letter to the Institute. “The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution, and students have the right to voice their concerns, especially as elected representatives,” he says in the letter.