Sri Vijaya Puram | February 3, 2026
Tarun Karthick
Students of Andaman Law College have been staging a peaceful protest outside the college gates at Phoenix Bay in Sri Vijaya Puram since this morning, pressing for urgent resolution of what they describe as serious academic, administrative and student welfare issues. The protest is being held with a charter of demands submitted to the authorities, with the primary demand seeking a written assurance that their law degrees will be conferred under Pondicherry University and not under the newly established deemed university.
In their representation dated February 3, 2026, the students stated that they had taken admission with the reasonable expectation that the college was affiliated to Pondicherry University. They have demanded a clear and written confirmation that their degrees will continue to be awarded under Pondicherry University, asserting that any unilateral change in the university status without students’ consent is unacceptable.
The students have also raised strong objections to what they termed the “improper concept” of a deemed university and the alleged merger of colleges without adequate infrastructure. According to the representation, the deemed university does not currently have a separate permanent campus or the necessary academic facilities and is functioning only “in name.” The students further alleged that such a move has been attempted without obtaining a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bar Council of India (BCI) and without the agreement of students.
Another key demand relates to the administration of the college. The students have pointed out that Andaman Law College is functioning without a regularly appointed Principal, which, they claim, has led to administrative failures. They have sought the immediate appointment of a regular Principal strictly in accordance with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines. Along similar lines, the students have demanded the appointment of adequate numbers of regular and permanent faculty members as per UGC and Bar Council of India norms, stating that the quality of legal education has been adversely affected due to faculty shortages.
The prolonged absence of a permanent campus for the law college has also featured prominently in the charter of demands. The students have called for a precise and documented timeline for the construction and operationalisation of a permanent campus equipped with sufficient academic and basic facilities.
On student welfare issues, the protesters have highlighted the inadequacy of the existing stipend of ₹1,500, terming it insufficient in view of the rising cost of living in the islands. They have demanded regular and timely disbursement of the stipend and an immediate revision of the amount to reflect current living expenses. Concerns have also been raised over drinking water facilities on campus, with students alleging that existing water machines are unsafe and unhygienic. They have sought written assurance for regular maintenance and immediate replacement of the equipment.
The representation further alleges that students raising academic and administrative concerns have been targeted and intimidated. The students have demanded a formal guarantee that no harassment or victimisation will take place for voicing grievances. They have also sought assurances that issues similar to the recent Saraswati Puja matter—which they say hurt students’ sentiments—will not recur, and that students’ cultural and intellectual traditions will be respected.
Additionally, the students have complained about what they described as rude, hostile and humiliating behaviour by the Principal, claiming that such conduct has caused fear and mental stress among students. They have demanded an inquiry and appropriate remedial action in this regard.
Emphasising that their agitation is peaceful and democratic, the students have stated that they are willing to cooperate fully with the administration. They have urged the concerned authorities to take urgent and decisive action in the interest of justice, academic integrity and the future of law students in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by the college administration or the higher authorities on the demands raised by the protesting students.
