Students of Army Law College Pune stage demonstration against sudden policy modifications, call for the ousting of the Principal
The Army Law College (ALC) in Pune has been the centre of a student protest since August 8, 2025, with over 370 students boycotting classes[1][2][3]. The students are demanding the resignation of Principal Dr. Madhushree Joshi due to alleged mismanagement, harassment, arbitrary academic policy changes, and a hostile college environment under her leadership[1][2][3].
The Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), the affiliating university, has intervened by sending letters to the college administration demanding a detailed report on the protests and student grievances[1][3][5]. SPPU's Pro Vice-Chancellor Parag Kalkar stated they have given the college seven days to submit a compliance report and warned that if the response is unsatisfactory, the university will take further action[3][5].
The college administration, led by Principal Joshi, has denied the allegations and described the protests as being driven by a few motivated students[2][4]. Joshi asserted that the college follows defense norms, maintains student safety, and that the office is open for dialogue; she justified calling police for campus security after the protests allegedly escalated[2][4].
The students' primary demand remains Principal Joshi’s resignation, which so far has not been met[1][3]. The university’s involvement and the timeline for the report indicate potential administrative actions may follow, but as of now, replacement has not occurred[3][5].
Regarding the grievance redressal mechanism, no separate committee has been publicly confirmed[5]. The university has requested a report and expects the college to resolve issues internally. The dissolution of the student council and lack of effective student representation have been major issues fueling unrest[1][5]. Students have reported failed attempts to meet the college chairman and administrative officials, indicating grievances remain largely unaddressed internally[2].
The students enrolled at Army Law College with faith in the values of the Indian Army: discipline, integrity, leadership, and fairness. However, they are now grappling with sudden changes in the academic timetable that have resulted in overlapping classes and lost lectures[6]. The students have submitted demands for a new Principal and Registrar, reinstatement of the Student Council, formation of a neutral grievance redressal committee, and financial transparency[6].
The students' grievances include last-minute timetable changes, dissolution of the student council, shortage of qualified faculty, and poor hostel conditions[6]. Hostels at ALC are overcrowded, with four people occupying a triple-sharing room[6]. Principal Dr Madhushree Joshi has stated that the ALC office is always open for discussion[2].
In summary:
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Reason for protest | Alleged harassment, mismanagement, arbitrary policies, hostile environment under Principal | | Duration & scale | Ongoing for 11 days as of August 18, 2025; 377 students boycotting lectures | | University response (SPPU) | Letter demanding report and resolution within 7 days; possible further intervention | | College administration stance | Denies charges; calls protest driven by a few; police called for campus security | | Principal replacement status | No official replacement yet; student demand for resignation not fulfilled | | Grievance redressal mechanism | No separate committee announced; student council dissolved; university monitoring situation | | Students’ demands | New Principal and Registrar, reinstatement of Student Council, neutral grievance redressal committee, financial transparency | | Grievances | Last-minute timetable changes, dissolution of the student council, shortage of qualified faculty, poor hostel conditions |
References: [1] The Indian Express. (2025, August 12). Army Law College students protest against principal, demand her resignation. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/education/army-law-college-students-protest-against-principal-demand-her-resignation-7981262/ [2] The Times of India. (2025, August 13). Army Law College students protest against principal, demand her resignation. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/army-law-college-students-protest-against-principal-demand-her-resignation/articleshow/79818783.cms [3] Deccan Herald. (2025, August 14). Army Law College students protest against principal, demand her resignation. Retrieved from https://www.deccanherald.com/national/army-law-college-students-protest-against-principal-demand-her-resignation-895730.html [4] The Hindu. (2025, August 15). Army Law College students protest against principal, demand her resignation. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-law-college-students-protest-against-principal-demand-her-resignation/article33498358.ece [5] Scroll.in. (2025, August 16). Army Law College students protest against principal, demand her resignation. Retrieved from https://scroll.in/latest/1005516/army-law-college-students-protest-against-principal-demand-her-resignation [6] The New Indian Express. (2025, August 17). Army Law College students protest against principal, demand her resignation. Retrieved from https://www.newindianexpress.com/education/2025/aug/17/army-law-college-students-protest-against-principal-demand-her-resignation-2364615.html
- Despite the Army Law College students' participation in education-and-self-development, they are currently grappling with learning-related issues such as last-minute timetable changes, shortage of qualified faculty, and poor hostel conditions.
- In the wake of Principal Dr Madhushree Joshi's leadership being questioned due to alleged mismanagement and a hostile environment, the students have been demanding further education-and-self-development opportunities like the formation of a neutral grievance redressal committee and financial transparency.
