Students of Army Law College Pune voice dissent against random policy modifications, urge dismissal of Principal
Ongoing Student Protests at Army Law College, Pune
Students at Army Law College (ALC), Pune have been protesting since last Friday, voicing a series of grievances against the current administration led by Principal Dr. Madhushree Joshi and Registrar Col. Suneel Mann. The students claim that the college environment has become increasingly hostile, unprofessional, and oppressive since the appointment of the current leadership [1][2][4].
The protests, which began on August 8, have been met with a firm response from the administration. Authorities have called the police for maintenance of order, fearing disruption and possible vandalism. However, no FIRs have been filed as of yet, pending complaints from the administration [1][3][5].
Principal Joshi has described the agitation as driven by "a few motivated students" rather than widespread student consensus. She emphasized that the college office is open to discussions but no indiscipline would be tolerated [1][3][5]. The students, on the other hand, allege that when they tried to raise issues, they were asked to leave the hostel by the Registrar [1].
The students' demands include the replacement of the Principal and Registrar, reinstatement of the Student Council (which was dissolved), formation of a neutral grievance redressal committee, and financial transparency [1][2][4]. However, the administration has not acknowledged or acted on these demands so far [1][2][4].
The college claims openness for respectful and constructive discussion, but students report repeated ignored emails and absence of meaningful response from the chairman’s office [1][3]. The situation has worsened since the appointment of the current administrative heads, according to a letter addressed to the Chairman, ALC Pune [1].
The students enrolled at ALC with faith in the values of the Indian Army, but allege that these values are no longer upheld under the current leadership. They cite issues such as last-minute timetable changes, dissolution of the student council, shortage of qualified faculty, and poor hostel conditions as evidence of this [1][2][4].
The hostels at ALC are overcrowded, with four people occupying a triple-sharing room. The students also allege that faculty are being assigned to teach subjects without the necessary specialization, leading to overlapping of classes and loss of lectures [1][2].
The university authorities, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), have intervened by requesting detailed reports and expecting swift resolution, but the administration has only indicated needing time to address issues [2][4]. University authorities have indicated potential further intervention if the issues remain unresolved [4].
The students went on protest as a last resort for their grievances to be heard, according to their claims [1]. The protests have been near-unanimous, with over 377 students participating [1]. The students allege that 300 out of these 377 have been threatened with an FIR [1].
The situation is ongoing, with no indication of reversing key disputed policies or personnel changes as of mid-August 2025. The students hope that their protests will lead to a fair and transparent resolution of their grievances.
[1] The Indian Express, August 8, 2025 [2] The Times of India, August 10, 2025 [3] Hindustan Times, August 12, 2025 [4] Savitribai Phule Pune University, Internal Communication, August 14, 2025 [5] Pune Police Press Release, August 16, 2025
In their pursuit of education and self-development, the students of Army Law College, Pune, have been engaging in ongoing protests to advocate for a better learning environment, such as the reinstatement of the Student Council, financial transparency, and the removal of the current administration [1][2][4]. Despite the university authorities' requests for a swift resolution [2][4], the administration has yet to acknowledge or address the students' demands [1][2][4].
