Pune University Sees Two Student Protests in a Day; Groups Seek VC and Registrar’s Resignation, Withdrawal of Circulars Curbing Campus Protests
Two student groups including NSUI protested at SPPU, seeking the VC and Registrar’s resignation and withdrawal of circulars restricting protests on campus.
Photo: Nikhilmore nimo / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pune, 3rd November 2026: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) saw two student protests on Monday, 2 November, with both groups demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar and the withdrawal of circulars that they say restrict peaceful protests, meetings and marches on campus.
One protest was led by the Vidyapith Vidyarthi Sangharsh Kruti Samiti, whose president is Rahul Sasane. The other included the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), whose SPPU unit president Siddhant Jombhulkar spoke for the group, according to the Free Press Journal.
What the students want
- Resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar
- Withdrawal of circulars 316/2024 and 226/2026
- Dissolution of the council that passed the restrictions
- An end to what they call moral policing on campus
- Equal treatment of all student organisations and ideologies
- Consultation with student representatives before major decisions
The August resolution behind the anger
On 25 August 2026, the university’s Management Council passed a resolution barring protests on national or wider issues not directly related to students. The university cited repeated large gatherings, possible disruption to studies, and the risk of damage to property. The move followed earlier large protests on campus, including over the NEET exam.
Students say the rules are being applied unevenly. They said the SFI was refused permission for a protest and the AISF for a Tiranga March, while NSUI alleged that RSS route marches and Shastra Puja were allowed on campus. Sasane warned that students would continue their democratic struggle if their demands were not addressed.
The university had not responded to the latest protests at the time of the report. For other education news, see our coverage of the CBSE 2027 date sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Why are students protesting at Pune University?
They oppose circulars and an August 2026 resolution restricting protests on campus, and allege uneven treatment of student groups. They want the VC and Registrar to resign.
What did SPPU’s August 2026 resolution say?
Passed on 25 August 2026, it bars protests on national or wider issues not directly related to students, citing disruption to studies and risk to property.
Which student groups protested on 2 November?
The Vidyapith Vidyarthi Sangharsh Kruti Samiti and a group including NSUI.
