Mumbai: The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has refused to grant immediate relief to a final-year law student of Symbiosis Law School, who was suspended from all academic and non-academic activities, including examinations, for allegedly making political posts on Instagram that opposed the Government of India’s official stance on “Operation Sindoor.”
Justice Rohit W. Joshi issued directives concerning the disciplinary proceedings while balancing the student’s educational interests.
Symbiosis Law Student Suspended Over Instagram Posts Criticising Operation Sindoor
The court was hearing a writ petition filed by the student against the State of Maharashtra and Symbiosis Law School. The matter concerns the student’s suspension following her social media activity, which the institution deemed controversial.
The court noted, “Most of the posts appear to be political in nature; however, one post appears to be contrary to the official version of the Government of India in relation to ‘Operation Sindoor’ carried out recently.”
Addressing the circumstances surrounding the suspension, the court observed, “On 08.05.2025, an offence vide First Information Report No.0347/2025 was registered against one Rajas Madepaddi @ Siddik with Lakadganj Police Station, Nagpur. The accused was arrested from a hotel in Nagpur on 08.05.2025. It is undisputed that the petitioner was present in the hotel along with the accused at the time of his arrest.”
Bombay High Court Orders Completion of Disciplinary Inquiry by May 25, 2025
The court held that the institution’s action “is not punitive but administrative in nature,” particularly in light of the provision that “an additional special examination will be conducted for the petitioner if she is exonerated in the disciplinary proceeding.”
In its directive, the court ordered the institution “to conduct and complete the enquiry on or before 25.05.2025 and communicate the decision to the petitioner on that day itself,” and directed the petitioner “to cooperate in the enquiry proceedings.”
Acknowledging the student’s academic situation, the court noted that she has “a backlog of 13 subjects from previous semesters,” with examinations scheduled through June 5, 2025.
The institution has assured that, if the student is exonerated, special examinations will be conducted to ensure she does not suffer academic loss, and the results will be declared alongside those of other students.
Mr. S. Kulkarni, Advocate, appeared for the petitioner; Ms. S.S. Jachak, A.G.P., appeared for the State of Maharashtra; and Mr. K.P. Mahalle, Advocate, appeared for Symbiosis Law School.
Case Title: IP vs. The State of Maharashtra & Anr.
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