Chandigarh, July 8: Terming Punjab University, Chandigarh’s decision of imposing a mandatory affidavit/undertaking for fresh admissions in the 2025-26 session as “dictatorial and arbitrary”, Punjab Higher Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains shot a letter to the varsity’s Vice Chancellor on Tuesday, seeking clarification on the move.

In his letter, Harjot Singh Bains, an ex-officio Senate member of the ‘varsity’, questioned the Vice Chancellor about the procedure for deciding the affidavit conditions. He also asked whether the Senate or Syndicate approved the decision.

Bains Slams Punjab University’s Affidavit Rule for New Admissions

Harjot Singh Bains stated that many students expressed grave concerns over Punjab University’s condition mandating an affidavit for fresh admissions in the 2025-26 session. They strongly objected to clauses requiring prior permission for protests, restricting it to specific locations only, and undefined terms like “outsider”, “stranger”, and “ugly” that they deemed unethical and inhumane,

he said, while adding that moreover, provisions allowing for admission cancellations, lifelong campus bans without notice or appeal, violate principles of due process and fair procedure embedded in the legal framework.

Minister Seeks Review of Punjab University Affidavit to Protect Student Rights

This issue has sparked widespread discontent and disappointment within the academic community, he added, while stating, “Given Punjab University’s legacy as a nursery of leadership and alma mater of esteemed personalities, I fear that this affidavit will stifle student activism and undermine the university’s democratic structure by restricting freedom of speech, a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. As the Higher Education Minister and ex-officio Senate member of Punjab University, I request an immediate reconsideration of this decision. There needs to be a thorough review of the affidavit’s clauses to ensure they align with the constitutional rights of students. It’s important to uphold the university’s tradition of fostering critical thinking and intellectual freedom.”