KARACHI (Azaad English): The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to Dawood University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) and other concerned authorities after students filed a petition against disciplinary action taken by the university.
The petitioners, including Waseem Ahmed Jamali, Muhammad Tahir, Arshad Hussain, Sameer Hussain, Sahil Kumar, and Om Kumar, challenged the show-cause notices issued to them for organizing a “Colours Day” event in support of their Hindu classmates on the occasion of Holi. The students stated that the event was peaceful, and they had formally requested permission from the university, but their request was neither approved nor denied.
According to the petition, the university administration later alleged that the event involved violence and filed an FIR against the students. The petitioners, who were granted bail, also received show-cause notices banning them from campus. They claim that the administration ignored their responses and even blocked access to the university portal.
The students’ lawyer, Faizullah Mallano, argued that the university acted unfairly and violated the principles of natural justice by not allowing them a proper hearing. He further stated that the university’s actions affected the students’ education and created an unsafe environment. The petitioners also alleged that the administration’s behavior went against their fundamental rights, including the right to education and equal treatment.
The court has asked DUET and the Sindh Advocate General to respond by April 30, 2025. Meanwhile, the court directed the university to allow the students to submit their replies to the show-cause notices through any available means, including an online portal, ensuring their access to the registration process.
The students have requested the court to declare the disciplinary actions against them invalid and ensure a safe and fair academic environment for them at the university.
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