In a significant development, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court declined to grant interim relief to a final-year law student from Symbiosis Law School who was suspended following a social media post that allegedly contradicted the Indian government's stance on 'Operation Sindoor,' a recent military operation against Pakistan. The suspension, initiated on May 10, 2025, barred the student from participating in all academic and non-academic activities pending a disciplinary inquiry.
The controversy began when the student was reportedly found in a Nagpur hotel with Rejaz Sydeek, a Kerala resident arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged anti-national activities. Although the suspension order did not explicitly cite this incident, the institution highlighted a series of social media posts from the student's official Instagram handle, particularly one that presented a view contrary to the official narrative on Operation Sindoor.
Challenging the suspension, the student's counsel argued that the action amounted to punishment without due process, violating the Symbiosis International (Deemed University) Code of Conduct, 2023, which stipulates that punitive measures can only be imposed post a disciplinary inquiry. The counsel emphasized that no such inquiry had been completed at the time of suspension.
Representing the law school, the counsel contended that the suspension was administrative, intended to facilitate an ongoing inquiry, and not punitive. The institution assured the court that the disciplinary proceedings would conclude by May 25, 2025. Furthermore, it committed to conducting special examinations for the student if exonerated, ensuring she would not suffer academic loss.
Justice Rohit W. Joshi, presiding over the matter, observed that the suspension did not prima facie constitute punishment, given the provision for special examinations contingent upon the inquiry's outcome. The court noted that the matter was at a nascent stage and scheduled the next hearing for May 27, 2025.
Emphasizing the need to balance equities, the court directed the institution to complete the inquiry and communicate its decision to the student by May 25. The student was instructed to cooperate fully with the proceedings. The court's stance underscored the importance of procedural fairness while allowing institutions to maintain discipline and uphold their codes of conduct.
This case highlights the delicate interplay between institutional authority, individual rights, and the broader implications of social media expressions, especially when they intersect with national security concerns. It also underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring that disciplinary actions by educational institutions adhere to principles of natural justice, providing a fair and transparent process for all parties involved.
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