A notice issued by Kolkata’s prestigious St. Xavier’s College, barring students from posting content about the institution on social media without prior permission, has created commotion among students.
The notice, a copy of which is with The Hindu , reads: “Students are reminded that articles, audio or audio-visual materials on or about St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, should not be published or uploaded on the internet/social media without prior permission from the Principal.”
In the past few years St. Xavier’s has been making news for its rules and regulations — from choice of apparel to freedom of expression. The latest notice clearly warns the students of severe action. “Disregard of this mandatory requirement may invite disciplinary action,” it said.
The Principal’s office could not be reached for comment despite several attempts.
Film-maker and theatre personality Ashok Viswanathan, also an alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, found nothing objectionable in the order and said the authorities were only trying to keep slanderous content out. However, “the mention of disciplinary action is certainly harsh and authoritarian. Right to dissent needs to be given a proper place,” Mr. Viswanathan said.
A young undergraduate said on condition of anonymity: “We are not responding for fear of suspension or worse still, expulsion.”
The college has been making news for its rules and regulations — from choice of apparel to freedom of expression
