Student groups in Kerala are firing back at a new rule from Kerala University that forces college applicants to swear they’re free of criminal troubles. On Wednesday, rival unions SFI—linked to the CPI-M—and KSU, tied to Congress—slammed Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal over his circular to affiliated colleges.
The rule demands an affidavit with every admission application. It hits applicants with four straightforward questions: Have you ever been kicked out of a college? Are you facing any criminal charges? Have you been convicted of crimes against women or other offenses? And have you cheated on exams?
If someone lies and later gets tangled in a criminal case, the college council can step in with disciplinary measures, the circular warns. University officials say this push comes amid worries that students previously banned for bad behavior keep trying to sneak back into programs.
Take the recent case: Kerala University just nixed a student’s re-admission after he got a three-year ban for copying exam answers via WhatsApp. He still tried to enroll in another course despite the penalty.
Kerala University insists the affidavit boosts discipline and protects academic integrity in higher education. But student leaders aren’t buying it. SFI state secretary P.S. Sanjeev blasted the move in a fiery Facebook post, labeling it discriminatory and authoritarian. “Reactionary orders like this will end up in history’s trash bin,” he wrote, calling the vice chancellor unfit and promising campus protests.
KSU president Aloshiyous Xavier echoed the outrage, vowing to block what he calls a draconian rule. With the university digging in and students gearing up for action, tensions are boiling in Kerala’s college scene, setting the stage for big clashes over student admissions and campus rules.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
