UoH VC Terminates Student Union, Faces Protests
The university stated it had abided by the recommendations of the committee headed by J.M. Lyngdoh, former chief election commissioner. Polling for the new union will be held on September 19 and results will be declared on September 20, it said.
Hyderabad: Twelve student organisations at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have united against the administration’s sudden dissolution of the elected students’ union before the end of its term, calling it a violation of constitutional and democratic norms. The ABVP, however, has supported the move and pressed for immediate elections.
The university stated it had abided by the recommendations of the committee headed by J.M. Lyngdoh, former chief election commissioner. Polling for the new union will be held on September 19 and results will be declared on September 20, it said.
Student leaders argued that the decision undermines the union’s constitution and contradicts the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations that govern campus elections. “This is not just about elections. It is about erasing the one space where students can hold the administration accountable,” said a representative of Students’ Federation of India (SFI).
Only days earlier, the administration had convened a meeting with all student bodies to discuss the transition of union activities. Except for the ABVP, every organisation agreed that the current union should be allowed to complete its full term. “There was consensus in that room, and the administration chose to ignore it. This shows they are acting under political pressure,” said a Dalit Students’ Union leader, alleging interference from the Union government and RSS.
The announcement triggered anger across campus. Activists described the dissolution as “a direct assault on student autonomy.” A union office-bearer said, “They are removing an elected body mid-term, which sets a dangerous precedent. Tomorrow, any union could be dissolved if it does not suit those in power.”
In protest, the union and allied groups have notified the vice-chancellor that they will begin an indefinite hunger strike. Leaflets distributed on campus accused UoH of “trading democratic rights for political expediency” and warned that the university risked becoming “a site of bureaucratic control instead of a space for critical thinking.”
The coalition has demanded that the dissolution order be withdrawn, the union allowed to complete its term, and the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations honoured. They also want assurances that the administration will remain free from political influence. Students said the next few days would determine not only the future of the union but also the credibility of democratic space on campus.
UoH said it had dissolved the Students’ Union for 2024-25 and notified elections for 2025-26 in line with Lyngdoh Committee guidelines. It said the academic session began on July 16, 2025, placing the election window between August 27 and September 10. With the Vice Chancellor’s approval, the union was dissolved on September 9 and the election process initiated the next day.
The University informed that student-welfare and representation matters would be handled by the dean, students’ welfare, and the election commission until the new union was formed. Polling was scheduled for September 19 and results will be declared on September 20, it said.
