On September 15, 2025, the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) administration banned an on-campus event, threatening students with disciplinary action.

EFLU students, in collaboration with the Progressive Reading Circle and the Fraternity Movement, organized an event to commemorate Jatin Das Martyrdom Day and Political Prisoners Day, focusing on political prisoners detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

When students released posters for the event, the EFLU administration summoned them to the proctor’s office and said the program could not be held, calling it “anti-governmental.” Students maintained that requiring permission was unusual for open programs. On the day of the event, the administration reiterated the ban and threatened students with disciplinary action through a show-cause notice.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about an attempt by higher education authorities to limit the right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly on campus by denying a student group the space for a nonviolent academic event. University authorities have a responsibility not to interfere with student expression and assembly, so long as it is undertaken peacefully and responsibly. University actions that limit the rights to free expression or association on campus have a chilling effect on academic freedom and university autonomy, and undermine democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://maktoobmedia.com/india/eflu-students-allege-admin-blocked-gathering-on-political-prisoners-citing-prisoners-rioters-event-anti-govt/
https://foej.in/eflu-students-allege-administration-blocked-event-on-political-prisoners-citing-anti-government-content/