Similar to the show-cause notices that were earlier slapped on 21 students, few other students have received notices asking them to explain their “position” in connection with the burning of the copies of ancient legal text Manusmriti at Sabarmati dhaba to celebrate International Working Women’s Day despite the varsity administration denying permission for it.
The notice, which was issued by the chief proctor, read, “A report dated March 9 received from the chief security officer in connection with an incident that happened on March 8, 6.30 pm, near Sabarmati dhaba, has been received at the chief proctor’s office. You are directed to appear before the proctor on March 21 to explain your position in this regard. You may also bring any evidence, which you wish to submit in support of your defiance. Upon failing to present yourself on the time and date appointed for the hearing, it shall be presumed that you have nothing to say in this matter and that you agree with the complaint. In such circumstances, the matter will be decided in your absence.”
A group of students, including former and current members of ABVP, on March 8 had burnt pages of Manusmriti that allegedly read “derogatory” verses towards women. Given the recent controversy over the February 9 event, the university administration had raised objections, but the organisers said permission for such event was not required as it would not pose any threat to the law and order. “We have been acting cautiously these days. We had denied the permission for the event, but in response the students submitted in writing that they would still conduct the event as it would not endanger the law and order situation. But a security guard took videos of the event and submitted to us,” an official said.
SIS councillor N. Sai Balaji, who is one of the students who received the notice, said, “Yes, we did burn certain portions of Manusmriti on Women’s Day, but in order to celebrate liberty, to salute international women’s movement for equality and freedom. We are the flag-bearers of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Even Baba Ambedkar had burnt the Manusmriti in 1927. So, will the proctor send notices to Babasaheb Ambedkar posthumously We will burn such Manusmriti thousand times. In fact given the amount of hatred it espouses, the Manusmriti should be burnt throughout the country.”
Students from Left parties, such as All-India Students Association and Democratic Students Federation, were also present during the event to express solidarity.
