More than 100 first-year students of St. Stephen’s College at Delhi University reportedly faced suspension and were debarred from the second semester examination for failing to attend morning assembly, as per claims by teachers and students.
According to an email sent by the students to Principal John Varghese, they were allegedly suspended and barred from exams after not meeting with the principal alongside their parents due to missing the assembly. The situation has sparked controversy, with students highlighting challenges such as parents’ non-residency in Delhi-NCR, making it difficult to comply with the request on short notice.
An email purportedly from the personal secretary to the principal informed parents of the suspension and exam debarment due to non-compliance with the meeting request.
Criticism has been directed towards the college for what some faculty members view as coercion into religious activities and for potentially violating university regulations. Sanjeev Grewal, head of the economics department, emphasized that attendance at the morning assembly is a college-specific tradition and not a valid ground for suspension or exam debarment as per university rules.
