Azim Premji University (APU) has suspended a student for two years and issued written warning to two others, following violent incidents on the campus on February 24 when members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) vandalised the campus property and force-entered the premises protesting a student-led discussion on Kashmir.

“Azim Premji University conducted a thorough inquiry into the events of February 24, 2026. Following a careful review of the investigating committee’s recommendations, the University has taken disciplinary action against three students found to be in serious violation of the University’s code of conduct. One student has been suspended for two years, while the other two students have been issued written warnings,” said a spokesperson of the university.

Following the suspension notice, more than 40 fellow students gathered in protest and demanded immediate revocation of the suspension.

‘Defiance, misrepresentation’

An e-mail sent to the suspended student from the Registrar’s Office reportedly cited “persistent defiance of institutional processes and guidelines, misrepresenting facts, violating the University code of conduct and failure to follow the University’s instructions for de-escalating a volatile situation during an extraordinary event on campus” as the reasons for the suspension. 

The suspended student can appeal to the Registrar within a week.

Students’ protest

Fellow students, protesting the action by the University, marched to the registrar’s office, demanding to meet him.

While Members of the Student Affairs Committee met the students outside the office, according to the students, the administrators insisted that they send e-mails and obtain prior permission before meeting the Registrar and threatened them with disciplinary action for gathering outside the office.

The Student Council sent a formal email to the Registrar raising concerns regarding “the lack of transparency in the disciplinary process and the disproportionate severity of the punishment imposed.” 

Students have also initiated a signature campaign in solidarity.

‘Arbitrary, undemocratic’

“A two-year suspension, subject to future ‘review’ before re-admission, is equivalent to expulsion. The violence on campus on 24th February was initiated by external actors who forcefully entered university premises and vandalised property. Yet, instead of holding those responsible accountable, the university administration has chosen to impose severe punishment on a student for allegedly failing to ‘de-escalate’ the situation,” said a statement from the students. 

The statement alleged that the claims made for the suspension are “vague and lack context and explanation” for the decision, and that no report of this investigation has been sent to the suspended student.

Following the violence at the campus in February, a reading circle run by the students was charged with an FIR under two non-bailable offences.