The Allahabad High Court has directed the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow to ensure the security of a law student accused of creating a derogatory video about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The Allahabad High Court at Lucknow Bench has directed the Commissioner of Police, Lucknow, to ensure the personal safety of a law student accused of circulating a video allegedly containing derogatory remarks against Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, after it was claimed the student was unable to participate in a disciplinary inquiry due to fear. Justice Pankaj Bhatia was hearing a writ petition filed by Yasharth Rai, a fourth-semester LLB (Hons.) student, challenging the university’s February 13 suspension order. The order had not only suspended him but also barred him from entering the campus, pending an inquiry by the university’s Proctorial Board. According to the petitioner, the allegations that he had made a video viral insulting Dr. Ambedkar were false. His counsel contended that despite the suspension, no final decision had been taken by the Proctorial board, leaving his academic future uncertain.
Key Points-
Student’s Allegation: The student claimed he was receiving life threats and couldn’t participate in a disciplinary inquiry due to fear.
Court’s Direction: Justice Pankaj Bhatia ordered the university to provide full security to the student and ensure no harm is caused to him. The Commissioner of Police, Lucknow, was also directed to ensure proper safety and security.
University’s Response: The university’s counsel assured the court that the student would be allowed to participate in the inquiry without any fear of backlash.
Inquiry Timeline: The Proctorial Board was directed to decide on the student’s case within two weeks after he appears before them.
Student’s Future: The court allowed the student to challenge any adverse decision by the Proctorial Board before the High Court.
The Allahabad High Court’s direction to ensure the security of the student accused of creating a derogatory video about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar underscores the importance of protecting individual rights and safety while ensuring a fair investigation into the allegations. The court’s intervention aims to balance the student’s right to a fair hearing with the need to address the controversy.
