Bombay High Court Stands Firm Against Police Overreach on Academic Freedom

The Bombay High Court criticized Satara police for targeting a professor who cited Govind Pansare’s book to pacify students. The court upheld the professor's right to freedom of speech and demanded the withdrawal of a probing letter by the police. The case illustrates the judiciary's stand on academic freedom.

The Bombay High Court strongly criticized the Satara police for seeking action against a professor who referenced late activist Govind Pansare's book, 'Shivaji Kon Hota,' to calm agitated students at an event.

Questioning the democratic nature of such police action, the court enquired whether any offence had been committed by the professor. Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj K Chavan heard the plea by Dr. Mrunalini Aher challenging a letter from a police inspector in August 2023.

The case was concluded on Friday after police agreed to unconditionally withdraw the contentious letter. The professor argued that the letter, which directed the college principal to investigate an incident involving another lecturer, was a misuse of police power. The incident occurred on August Kranti Din, leading to complaints from some students during a lecture on venerable personalities.

Aher, present during the lecture, referred to Pansare's book to mitigate the situation but faced backlash for allegedly supporting the lecturer in question. The police inspector's subsequent request for a departmental enquiry was deemed illegal by the court.

The High Court underscored the professor's right to freedom of speech and questioned the officer's authority to direct actions against her. The court threatened strict action against the officer if the issue was not resolved, marking a significant stance on academic freedom.

(With inputs from agencies.)