The Rajasthan High Court has refused to quash a First Information Report (FIR) registered against students of Rajasthan University who were accused of assaulting a former professor. The court stated that the offence was serious in nature and directly affected the peace and public order, and therefore could not be quashed merely on the basis of a compromise between the parties.
The single-judge bench of Justice Sameer Jain observed that the allegations involved locking the gate of the Administrative Block of Rajasthan University by a group of students. At the time of the incident, the complainant—a former professor—was serving as the In-charge of the Disciplinary Committee. Despite the compromise between the students and the professor, the court noted that the FIR had been lodged without obtaining the necessary sanction from the competent university authorities.
"The alleged offence is of serious in nature; effects public at large moreover lakhs of students who are enrolled or connected from/with the said University; that the alleged offence per se breaches the tranquility and peace of society and gives a negative influence to the spectators," stated Justice Sameer Jain in his order.
The FIR was registered under Sections 143 (unlawful assembly) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of the Indian Penal Code. The petitioners, six students of the university, had sought to quash the FIR on the basis of a mutual compromise with the ex-professor. It was alleged that the students had not only locked the administrative gate but were also involved in activities that violated the expected conduct on campus.
During the hearing, the Court directed the Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University to appear via video conferencing. The Vice Chancellor informed the Court that the FIR was registered without prior approval or sanction from the competent authority. He also clarified that any compromise made by the complainant was in his personal capacity and not officially sanctioned by the university.
“Taking note of the aforementioned and the fact that the compromise is entered sans any appropriate lawful backing and the FIR was made to be registered in ignorance of law, this Court is of the view that the instant compromise cannot be affirmed and acknowledged by the Court or any other judicial body,” the Court said.
Considering the above facts, the High Court rejected the petition to quash the FIR. It emphasized that such actions by students have a broader impact on society and cannot be taken lightly. The police were instructed to continue the investigation and take all necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in future.
In addition, the Court directed the Vice Chancellor to distribute a copy of the court order, along with clear and strict guidelines, to all affiliated colleges under Rajasthan University. This move is aimed at preventing unauthorized and disruptive actions by students that could disturb the academic environment and public peace.
“The police shall proceed with the investigation and take appropriate steps to prevent such unwarranted and unauthorized offences by students that leave a lasting impact on the public at large,” the Court ordered.
This ruling highlights the judiciary's firm stance on maintaining discipline within educational institutions and underscores that serious offences affecting public order cannot be brushed aside by private settlements.
Case Title: Shubham Rewad & Ors. v State of Rajasthan & Anr.
