Shillong, Nov 21: The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday directed the state authorities to advise the striking students of NEHU of any medical risk associated with the hunger strike and take steps necessary in accordance with the law.
In its order passed after hearing a PIL on the matter, the bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukherji and Justice B Bhattacharjee said, “In the meantime, the concerned authorities will apprise and advise the striking students of any medical risk associated with the continuing hunger strike and take such steps as are necessary in accordance with law.”
All counsel appearing on Wednesday including the Advocate General, DSGI and S. Sen, counsel representing NEHU, expressed concern over the continuing hunger strike by a section of students.
They are of the view that considering the fact that winter is setting in and it is becoming exceedingly colder, the chance of deterioration of health of the striking students is greater with the passage of time and that this hunger strike should end.
The bench said that the communication of the Central government on the decision to constitute a two-member committee to probe into the alleged mismanagement and administrative failures within NEHU should persuade them to call off the hunger protest.
“Furthermore, this communication of the Central government should persuade them to call off the hunger strike. This would facilitate the resumption of normal functioning of the University,” it said.
“For us to pass any substantive order, it is essential that our earlier order dated 13th November, 2024 and the said communication of the Education Ministry dated 19th November, 2024 along with the office order dated 14th November, 2024 be made known to the students’ union. Accordingly, list this PIL once again on 22nd November, 2024,” the bench stated in its order.
While the Court passed its order earlier in the day, later in the evening, the students suspended their hunger strike temporarily. They will wait for the Ministry of Education’s inquiry committee’s report and the corrective measures it suggests.
