TN govt seeks explanation from officials who issued circulars banning students' protests

Government seeks explanation over circulars

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Collegiate Education has sought an explanation from Joint Director P Cynthia Selvi for issuing a circular that directed government arts and science colleges to dissuade students from joining demonstrations organised by political groups, according to officials. The circular, dated August 17, specifically called for monitoring students affiliated with Left-wing groups and student outfits.

Commissioner of Collegiate Education P Ponniah issued a notice directing Selvi to submit her formal reply within one week, clarifying the circumstances under which the communication was drafted and dispatched to state-run institutions, officials said.

The circular triggered widespread criticism and was formally retracted on August 19 after the issue was raised in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan stated in the Assembly that the directive had been issued at the administrative level without ministerial knowledge or approval, asserting that the government does not endorse surveillance or profiling of students participating in peaceful protests.

Second circular withdrawn after backlash

A separate circular was issued on August 18 by Gujiliamparai Tahsildar M Ayyasamy in Dindigul district, instructing revenue inspectors and village assistants to collect comprehensive personal details of local CPI and CPI(M) cadre. The Dindigul District Collector withdrew the order following political backlash.

Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar said the tahsildar issued the circular on his own, due to personal bias, and sent it without the knowledge of the District Collector, as CPI(M) leaders were planning a demonstration. The tahsildar was transferred, and recommendations have been made to take necessary action against him. The New Indian Express reported that Ayyasamy was suspended and relieved from his post.

Left parties protest, demand chief secretary's removal

The CPI(M) staged protests across its district headquarters and educational centres, alleging that the government is covering up the issue by making low-level officials "scapegoats." CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam led a protest in Chennai on Saturday, demanding action against Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar for allegedly ordering the release of the circular and against the tahsildar for surveying people involved in political activities.

Shanmugam alleged that the circular asking officials to monitor students and organisations involved in protests was issued based on a meeting chaired by the chief secretary. He demanded the removal of Sai Kumar and proper action against him for what he termed an "illegal act." He also demanded the revocation of similar directives reportedly issued to universities and departmental inquiries against higher-level bureaucrats who convened meetings on the matter.

Addressing reporters, Shanmugam said the survey conducted by the tahsildar was illegal, whether ordered by the government or carried out on his own. He said merely transferring the tahsildar from Gujiliamparai to Chennai and then sending him back could not be treated as action against him. He also noted that while one of the circulars issued by the Directorate of Collegiate Education was withdrawn, the original order and another circular issued by the Higher Education Department to university registrars were yet to be withdrawn.

Shanmugam said the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of speech, expression, assembly and to form organisations. "No government or official has the right to monitor students for taking part in democratic protests," he said.

In a video statement, Shanmugam said, "The CPI(M) and CPI have given support for this government to be formed and to continue in power... Doesn't the chief secretary know this? Don't the tehsildar and the district collector know this?" He added, "If reports and circulars are sent with such ulterior motives targeting the Left, are you going to run the government with them (administrative officers), or are you going to continue the government with the Left?"

Allegations of Centre-state conspiracy

Speaking at a protest in Chennai, Shanmugam alleged a possible Centre-state conspiracy to target Left parties. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks about "dimagi (intellectual) naxals" and questioned whether the state and Union governments were acting in concert against the Left. "This creates suspicion whether the circulars are part of a Centre-state conspiracy," he said.

Shanmugam asked Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to decide whether he wanted officials to run the government or continue in office with the support of the Left parties. He also questioned the extension of Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar's tenure after his appointment by the Election Commission.

CPI state secretary M Veerapandian sought an explanation from the chief secretary over his directive to prevent students from joining protests organised by Left parties. "These kinds of outdated colonial practices shouldn't be allowed. Since taking up arms during the freedom struggle, Left parties have been contributing to strengthening and nurturing the democracy. Our students are present in universities across the country. A year is not enough to complete a headcount," he said.

Veerapandian suspected that a powerful political force is behind these circulars and demanded the chief minister intervene and a probe against the chief secretary. "Many writers, poets, activists and intellectuals subscribe to an ideology that questions oppression. We suspect that a powerful political force is behind these circulars. The chief minister should intervene instead of remaining silent and clarify his stand," he told The Times of India.

Alliance tensions surface

The protests have highlighted tensions within the ruling alliance in Tamil Nadu. The TVK won the April 23 assembly elections but fell short of the mandatory 118 seats to form the government. The Left parties CPI and CPI(M), which won two seats each, are offering outside support to the TVK government. The TVK also forged an alliance with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and the Congress.

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan echoed Shanmugam's statements, warning that bureaucracy should not create pressure for the government formed under the leadership of C Joseph Vijay.

Responding to the developments, TVK deputy general secretary and minister CTR Nirmal Kumar said the concerned tehsildar issued the circular on his own and action has been taken against him. "He did that on personal bias. He is retiring soon. He sent the circular without bringing to the notice of the district collector," Kumar said, adding that the tehsildar was transferred and necessary action would be taken against him.