NSUI J&K State President Ajay Lakhotra Addresses Show Cause Notice by University of Jammu, Defends Constitutional Rights
Jammu, June 9, 2025: The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) Jammu & Kashmir unit held a press conference today, led by NSUI J&K State President Ajay Lakhotra, to address the Show Cause Notice (No. LAW/PU/25/224-228) issued by the Department of Law, University of Jammu, dated June 4, 2025. The notice was issued in response to Lakhotra’s participation in a peaceful protest concerning the university’s vehicle entry restrictions and environmental sustainability policies.
Speaking at the press conference, Ajay Lakhotra, a student of LL.M (IIIrd Semester) at the University of Jammu, categorically refuted the allegations leveled against him, terming them “ambiguous, unsupported, and lacking merit.” He emphasized that his participation in the protest was a legitimate exercise of his fundamental rights under Articles 14 (right to equality), 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression), and 19(1)(b) (right to assemble peacefully) of the Constitution of India.
“The protest was peaceful, lawful, and aimed at fostering constructive dialogue on policies affecting student welfare,” Lakhotra stated. “The notice fails to provide specific evidence or instances to substantiate claims of disruption, abusive language, or threats. As a law student, I am committed to upholding respectful conduct and the principles of natural justice, which require allegations to be supported by verifiable evidence.”
Lakhotra highlighted that the Supreme Court, in cases such as *Ramlila Maidan Incident v. Home Secretary* (2012) and *Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India* (2020), has upheld the right to peaceful protest as integral to democratic expression. He questioned the university’s reliance on unverified “media reports and social media platforms,” citing *Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd. v. SEBI* (2012), which cautions against trial by media. “The notice violates principles of natural justice under Article 14, as it denies me a fair opportunity to respond to specific charges,” he added.
He further clarified that no academic or administrative functions were disrupted during the protest, and no complaints from faculty, students, or staff have been cited. Lakhotra urged the university to withdraw the notice and provide copies of any evidence relied upon to ensure procedural fairness. “I am open to engaging with the administration to resolve concerns amicably and contribute positively to the university’s academic community,” he affirmed.
The press conference was attended by District Jammu President Manas Gandhi, Rahul Sharma, Rakesh Chamyal, and other NSUI members, who expressed solidarity with Lakhotra and condemned the notice as an attempt to suppress student voices. “NSUI stands for the rights of students to express their concerns peacefully and lawfully. We urge the university to uphold its tradition of fairness and withdraw this baseless notice,” said Manas Gandhi.
NSUI J&K reiterated its commitment to advocating for student welfare and fostering dialogue on campus policies. The organization called for a transparent and just resolution to the issue, emphasizing the importance of protecting constitutional rights and academic freedom.
