Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Punjab Govt’s Legal Stand
- Political Reactions
- Constitutional and Educational Concerns
- What Lies Ahead
- External References
Introduction
A major political and constitutional row has erupted after the Centre dissolved the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh — the key governing bodies of the historic institution.
Calling the move “unconstitutional and arbitrary,” Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the Punjab Government will move the High Court against the decision, saying that the state has “lost its university in its own land.”
Punjab Govt’s Legal Stand
In a strong statement, CM Mann said the government is “fully prepared to fight a legal battle against this injustice.” He argued that this is not just about university governance but about defending Punjab’s constitutional and educational rights.
The state will approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court to challenge the notification, and a panel of senior lawyers will represent the government in court.
Mann also announced that the issue will be raised in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, giving the fight both a legal and political dimension.
Political Reactions
The Centre’s move has triggered strong backlash across Punjab’s political spectrum. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) termed it “undemocratic and unprecedented,” accusing the Central Government of trying to hijack a democratic institution.
AAP MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal said, “This reckless decision is a direct attack on Punjab’s autonomy. Since the BJP failed to gain the people’s mandate in the Senate, it now wants to install its favourites.”
Former Minister Joginder Singh Maan, Daljit Raju, and AAP spokesperson Harji Maan alleged that the Centre was attempting to “saffronise” the institution by replacing elected members with nominated ones.
Phagwara MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal warned that the move was “patently illegal and a constitutional travesty,” adding that only the Punjab Vidhan Sabha has the authority to amend the Panjab University Act, 1947.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) also joined the protest. Senior leader Ranjit Singh Khurana said, “Whether it’s Chandigarh, river waters, or now Panjab University—the Centre keeps diluting Punjab’s rights.”
Constitutional and Educational Concerns
Established in 1947, Panjab University has deep historical and cultural ties with the State of Punjab. The Senate and Syndicate, its primary governing bodies, have long represented a democratic framework with elected members from academia, graduates, and government nominees.
By dissolving these elected bodies, critics argue that the Centre has stripped Punjab of its rightful role in the management of its own historic university. Legal experts warn that this decision may set a dangerous precedent for federal institutions and erode the autonomy of universities linked to states.
Many educators view this as more than a governance change — they see it as a symbolic loss of Punjab’s academic independence.
What Lies Ahead
With the Punjab Government preparing to move the High Court, the issue is expected to lead to a prolonged legal battle. Political observers believe this case could become a test of federal balance between the Centre and the states, especially concerning education policy and university governance.
Meanwhile, opposition parties and student groups plan to hold protests and public discussions to defend Punjab’s stake in Panjab University. The Centre has not yet issued a detailed clarification, but the controversy has already reignited debates over Punjab’s jurisdiction and identity.
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