On October 9, 2025, Indian police forcibly detained students at Pondicherry University who were demonstrating against sexual harassment on campus.

The protest, organized by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), called for the removal of faculty members accused of sexually harassing female students. Alleging that the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) had failed to take appropriate action, students gathered on campus and marched toward administrative buildings to demand an audience with the Vice-Chancellor and the university registrar. After the Vice-Chancellor left campus, students blocked the entrance to the administrative block. Police and security personnel arrived to disperse the protest, clashing with students and detaining 24 demonstrators.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
https://education.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/higher-education/pondicherry-university-students-lathicharged-arrested-while-demanding-suspension-of-faculty-members-accused-of-sexual-harassment/124507824
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Oct/10/protest-at-pondicherry-university-over-sexual-harassment-charges-against-faculty-turns-violent-24-students-arrested