States » SouthPosted at: Oct 30 2026 7:13PM


SFI protest over student suspensions disrupts Maharaja’s College function; Roji M John leaves venue

Kochi, Oct 30 (UNI) A protest by Students Federation of India (SFI) activists against the suspension of 16 students at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, disrupted a function at Maharaja’s College in Ernakulam on Friday, forcing Higher Education Minister Roji M John to leave the venue amid tense scenes.
The protest erupted during the college's graduation ceremony, where the minister was attending as the chief guest. SFI activists and student representatives confronted him, demanding the withdrawal of his remarks against the suspended students and intervention to revoke the university's disciplinary action.
The controversy stems from the suspension of 16 students following an agitation at the Kalady university over campus-related issues. The SFI alleged that the minister's description of the protesting students as uncivilised was unacceptable and demanded an apology.
The protesters also disputed allegations concerning the use of a coffin depicting the Vice-Chancellor during the agitation, contending that it was part of a theatrical presentation and should not be treated as an act of personal insult.
The minister initially maintained that students had every right to organise protests and express dissent in a democratic manner. However, he asked the protesters to wait until the programme was over before raising their demands.
The situation turned tense when student representatives insisted on an immediate response. Attempts by some students to speak through the microphone were met with objections, resulting in heated exchanges and pushing near the dais.
The minister defended the university's decision, alleging that the agitation at Kalady had involved violence and obstructed the functioning of the university syndicate. He said democratic protests could not be used as a justification for violence or intimidation.
With the confrontation escalating, police intervened and escorted the minister out of the college premises. The graduation ceremony continued after his departure.
The SFI maintained that its protest was intended to draw the minister's attention to the suspension issue and that the students had sought an opportunity to explain their position directly to him.
UNI DS
Tags: #SFI protest over student suspensions disrupts Maharaja’s College function; Roji M John leaves venue
More News

India-Australia joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND to conclude on Nov 1

30 Oct 2026 | 7:15 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 30 (UNI) The 14-day joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND-2026, involving the Indian Army's Garhwal Rifles and Australia's 13th Infantry Brigade, will conclude on November 1 after a series of intensive combat training programmes and coordinated operational drills across jungle, island and coastal terrains.

see more..

Power outage in TN didn't spare even VP presser in Madurai, CPR says one day Tamilian will become PM

30 Oct 2026 | 7:14 PM

Chennai, Oct 30 (UNI) The increasing incidents of power cuts in various parts of Tamil Nadu has not spared even Vice-President C.P.Radhakrishnan's media interaction in Madurai on Friday.

see more..

SFI protest over student suspensions disrupts Maharaja’s College function; Roji M John leaves venue

30 Oct 2026 | 7:13 PM

Kochi, Oct 30 (UNI) A protest by Students Federation of India (SFI) activists against the suspension of 16 students at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, disrupted a function at Maharaja’s College in Ernakulam on Friday, forcing Higher Education Minister Roji M John to leave the venue amid tense scenes.

see more..

AP: Campaign ends for Urban Local Body elections

30 Oct 2026 | 7:02 PM

Vijayawada, Oct 30 (UNI) The election campaign for the Urban Local Bodies in Andhra Pradesh came to an end on Friday evening at 5 pm.

see more..

BJP alleges fake voting in Haveri MLC polls, seeks arrests

30 Oct 2026 | 7:00 PM

Bengaluru, Oct 30 (UNI) BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginkai on Friday accused the Congress of electoral malpractice in the recent Karnataka West Graduates' Constituency Legislative Council election, alleging that a woman other than the registered voter cast a vote in the name of the wife of Haveri District Congress president Sanjeevkumar Patil alias Neeralagi.

see more..