Tamil Nadu government order seeking steps to prevent students from protesting withdrawn after row
The Tamil Nadu government has withdrawn a controversial order that directed colleges to prevent students from participating in protests. The order had faced significant backlash for targeting specific political groups and attempting to suppress student activism.
Why it matters
The reversal highlights the tension between administrative control and the democratic right to protest in academic institutions.
The Department of Collegiate Education has withdrawn its order issued on August 17, 2026, urging colleges to take action to prevent students from participating in protests and agitations after it kicked off a controversy.
The order, addressed to principals of all Government Arts and Science Colleges and Colleges of Education, asked them to take appropriate coordinated action to prevent students from participating in any protests or demonstrations. The order specifically referred to protests organised by the Left parties and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and sought an action-taken report from all institution heads. It was subsequently withdrawn.
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