A student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has approached the Allahabad High Court challenging an FIR registered against him on charges of rioting, wrongful restraint, and other offenses related to alleged misconduct during demonstrations demanding the restoration of student union elections.
The petitioner, Misbah Qaiser, a B.Arch. student at AMU, has been accused of delivering objectionable speeches against the administration, allegedly provoking other students. The FIR claims that as a result, the students blocked the Vice Chancellor’s vehicle and attempted to cause damage, with an alleged intent to carry out a violent attack.
In his criminal writ petition, Qaiser contends that on the date of the alleged incident, around 100-125 students had gathered to raise concerns regarding attendance and upcoming exams, and that the protest was not related to any unlawful demands. He denies delivering any speech that incited students to act unlawfully.
Represented by Advocates Ali Bin Saif and Kaif Hasan, the petitioner argues that the FIR is an attempt to suppress the legitimate concerns of students regarding exams and attendance. His plea states:
“On one hand, the university has suspended the petitioner and other named students, and on the other, it has filed an FIR against them through its officials. This clearly indicates that the FIR is a clear abuse of the process of law.”
Following the alleged incident, AMU has also suspended Qaiser, barred him from entering the campus, and directed him to vacate his university-provided hostel accommodation.
The High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on February 11 (Tuesday).
