New Delhi: Thirty students at Hansraj College, including four elected union office-bearers, have been placed under interim suspension over alleged misconduct linked to the annual fest, triggering a debate over campus discipline and student rights.The administration has cited concerns ranging from “defaming the college through social media” to indiscipline during the April 8-9 fest. Students argued the scale and manner of action pointed to a clampdown on campus dissent.The situation escalated between April 20 and 25, when suspensions were issued in phases, ultimately affecting 30 students and restricting their entry to the campus, except for examinations.According to students, the suspensions were carried out in phases. Initially, 14 students were suspended for their alleged involvement in a clash on the day of the fest. This was followed by the suspension of one former student union member on defamation charges after he failed to attend a meeting. Subsequently, four more students were suspended for their alleged role in a post-fest altercation. Seven students were then suspended on grounds of “defamation” for participating in protests. Finally, four members of the students’ union were suspended, with the administration holding them responsible for the overall incident.“The former student union member has moved the high court,” said a student.Students have contested the basis and the process of the disciplinary action. “During the fest, when the misconduct happened, the entire responsibility was put on us, the students’ union. Students from outside had entered the campus. Other people were involved in the violence, but we were held responsible,” said Abhjit Singh, part of the students’ union and now under suspension.“We argued that if there was a fight due to a security lapse, then action should also be taken against those on duty… But despite that, we were suspended indefinitely, until further notice. Explanations submitted in response to the show-cause notices were not considered,” Singh added.A college official said that a disciplinary committee meeting is likely on Tuesday regarding the matter. The suspensions are likely to be revoked. The principal could not be reached for comment.Another student, Srijan Kashyap, pointed to procedural lapses in the way things were handled. “The most surprising thing is that we were not given any notice. There is usually a process, but nothing was followed. We were directly issued suspension notices.” The charges of “defamation on social media,” he added, were “very vague,” with no specific post or content identified.The suspensions have since sparked protests. “There was a protest today. After today’s protest, the suspension was revoked temporarily. It has not been permanently removed yet,” another student said.