PU’s Affidavit Rule Sparks Controversy; Higher Education Minister Harjot Bains Demands Clarification and Rollback
Chandigarh, July 9, 2025:
In a development that has stirred strong reactions across Punjab’s academic circles, Punjab Higher Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains has publicly criticized Panjab University, Chandigarh’s decision to make an affidavit/undertaking mandatory for fresh admissions in the 2025–26 academic session. Terming the move “dictatorial and arbitrary,” Bains has sent a formal letter to the university’s Vice Chancellor, seeking immediate clarification and review of the policy.
Minister Questions Approval Process and Governance Transparency
In his letter, Bains—who also serves as an ex-officio Senate member of the university—raised pointed questions about the legitimacy and transparency of the policy-making process. He inquired whether the affidavit clauses were reviewed and passed through statutory academic bodies like the Senate or Syndicate, or if the decision was taken unilaterally.
“Such major decisions that directly impact students and their rights must follow due process and involve the university’s governing bodies,” Bains wrote, questioning the democratic integrity of the policy implementation.
Students Express Deep Concern Over Restrictive Clauses
According to the minister, the university’s new mandate has caused widespread unrest among students, many of whom have reached out expressing concern and frustration. Specific clauses of the affidavit—such as requiring prior permission for protests, limiting them to certain designated areas, and the use of ambiguous terms like “outsider,” “stranger,” and “ugly”—have been labeled vague, discriminatory, and unconstitutional.
Bains stated that these terms lack legal clarity and leave room for misuse, potentially leading to arbitrary action against students under unclear guidelines.
He also pointed to provisions that allow the university to cancel a student’s admission or issue lifelong campus bans without prior notice or opportunity for appeal—steps that, he said, violate the fundamental principles of natural justice and due process.
Fear of Silencing Student Voices and Democratic Spaces
The minister emphasized that this move could have far-reaching consequences on the academic atmosphere at Punjab University, which has historically been known for its student-led activism, democratic engagement, and intellectual openness.
“This affidavit has the potential to silence dissent and undermine freedom of speech, a right enshrined in Article 19 of the Indian Constitution,” Bains stated.
He added that the university has long been a nursery of leadership and the alma mater of distinguished personalities, and warned that such regressive policies could tarnish its legacy.
Call for Immediate Review and Student-Centric Reform
Bains urged the university to immediately reconsider the decision, stating that regulations governing students should be fair, inclusive, and constitutionally sound.
“The clauses of the affidavit must be reviewed to ensure they respect students’ rights and align with the values of justice, transparency, and academic freedom,” he said in his letter.
He assured students that the Punjab government would continue to stand with them in preserving the spirit of open dialogue and democratic participation within educational spaces.
Wider Reaction and Growing Support
The issue has triggered intense debate across campuses, student unions, and legal communities. Many professors and alumni have also spoken out against the affidavit, calling it a step backward for student liberties.
Social media platforms are witnessing growing calls for #ScrapPUAffidavit, with many netizens arguing that the university’s move contradicts the ethos of higher education in a democratic society.
What Lies Ahead
While the university has not yet issued an official response to the minister’s letter, the growing backlash has put pressure on the administration to justify its stance or consider withdrawing the affidavit requirement altogether.
Bains concluded his letter by urging the Vice Chancellor to uphold the university’s commitment to academic freedom, progressive values, and student welfare—principles that Panjab University has upheld for decades.