College suspends girl for marking Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary

COIMBATORE: In yet another instance of growing intolerance to freedom of expression on TN campuses, a student of the Government Arts and Science College in the city was suspended indefinitely allegedly for celebrating the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh at the college.



The state has been coming down hard on public protests in the past two years, resorting to harsh laws like Sedition, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Goondas Act and NSA.

S Malathi, a first year MA (History) student, was suspended from October 1 for celebrating Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary with other students for 45 minutes on September 28.

“On that day, the student and her classmates sought the permission of the principal to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhagat Singh at the college level. Denying permission, the principal directed them to conduct it at the department level after obtaining permission from the head of the department,” said an authority from the college.

As the HoD was on leave, the students sought permission from the tutor who refused, he said, but the students went ahead.

“It was not a huge celebration. A few students remembered the late leader and spoke a few words about him. The gathering dispersed in less than an hour,” said Malathi.

Many students’ organizations condemned the suspension of Malathi.

Principal K Chitra said an inquiry would be conducted on October 22 and a decision taken.