College moves Kerala High Court for rules on unions

Kochi: The principal of Pious X College, Kasargod, has moved Kerala High Court seeking formulation of rules for the functioning of students' unions. The petitioner sought a directive to the Kannur University to take steps to implement an earlier HC order. Petitioner argued that they were distressed by the continuous disruption of classes by various unions consisting of mostly outsiders by way of strikes, gherao, hartals and vandalism. The HC had earlier asked the government and university to take necessary steps to ensure that the "functioning of the colleges therein was not affected on account of activities of student unions and even to take appropriate steps to prevent the functioning of student organisations."

The students are also blocked and prevented from attending classes. When the situation becomes violent and uncontrollable, the principal will be constrained to close down the college to ensure the safety and security of the students, the petition said. As a result of the illegal activities, a substantial number of working days are lost to the petitioner's college, the plea alleged. Though police protection was ordered from January 10, 2017, the student unions started disrupting the academic atmosphere of the institution by forcefully entering the campus and creating problems.