Tensions flared at the Army Law College (ALC) Pune campus on Friday after administrators summoned police in response to a student protest over a series of unresolved grievances.
Students, describing their demonstration as peaceful and a “last resort,” claimed they had repeatedly raised concerns through the Army Welfare Education Society’s grievance mechanism without result. Their complaints, outlined in a letter to the college chairman, included allegations of academic mismanagement, harassment, timetable chaos, overcrowded hostels, discrimination based on parents’ military rank, and financial non-transparency.
Specific issues cited were faculty being assigned subjects outside their expertise—such as a constitutional law lecturer handling international law—loss of 40 days of finance classes due to a faculty resignation, and the hiring of replacements with alleged personal ties to the principal rather than relevant expertise. Students also questioned the Rs 13,000 NCC enrolment fee, budget cuts to flagship events, and alleged misuse of resources.
The protest escalated when the administration called police to the campus. Students accused the move of being an intimidation tactic, while Principal Dr. Madhushree Joshi defended the decision, saying the protest threatened her office and encroached on restricted areas. She denied the unrest was widespread, attributing it to “a few motivated individuals,” and stressed that ALC’s military heritage demands discipline.
“Neither was the protest expected nor required, as the ALC office is always open for discussion,” Dr. Joshi said, adding that academics remained unaffected, with classes continuing as scheduled. She urged students to “maintain decorum” and assured them the letter would be considered under ALC norms.
As of Sunday night, there was no formal response from the chairman’s office. Students warned that unless demands such as reinstating the student council and replacing senior administrators are met, they are prepared to continue their protests.
