On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the Bombay High Court strongly criticized the Maharashtra government and a Pune engineering college for the arrest and rustication of a 19-year-old student over a social media post concerning ‘Operation Sindoor’.

The student, currently in judicial custody at Yerwada Central Prison, had posted content deemed objectionable during heightened Indo-Pak tensions. She later apologized and clarified her intentions. Despite this, she was arrested and rusticated from her college, prompting her to seek interim bail and challenge her rustication in court.

A vacation bench comprising Justices Gauri Godse and Somasekhar Sundaresan expressed concern over the state’s actions. Justice Godse questioned the college’s decision, stating, “What is this? You are ruining the life of a student? What kind of conduct is this? Somebody expresses something, and you want to ruin the life of the student? How can you rusticate? Did you call upon an explanation?” Justice Sundaresan added, “What national interest? She has already faced the consequence.”

The court emphasized the importance of reforming students rather than criminalizing them, noting that such actions could lead to further radicalization. They directed the student’s counsel to file an appropriate plea for her release, indicating their willingness to hear the matter the same evening.

When the state’s counsel suggested allowing the student to appear for exams under police escort, Justice Godse responded, “She isn’t a criminal. She cannot be asked to appear with police around her. She has to be released.”

The court’s remarks underscore the need for educational institutions and the state to support students’ growth and expression, rather than resorting to punitive measures that could have long-term detrimental effects on their lives.

Sources