Ashoka Administration Hints at Possible Disciplinary Action for SSP Visitors

Rohini Sharma, Class of 2020

Today, the student body of Ashoka received an advisory e-mail from the Vice-Chancellor’s Office regarding the establishments that provide drugs and alcohol in the vicinity of Ashoka. The notice reminded students that their presence at these establishments could be ‘construed as possible grounds for disciplinary action by Ashoka University’.

The advisory discouraged members of the Ashoka student body from visiting illegal establishments located near the college campus citing safety and security reasons.

Mr. Sachin Sharma, registrar of Ashoka University and one of the undersigned of the message, explained that “this is not a rule but an advisory sent to you [the students]”. He emphasized that one’s presence at an illegal establishment is only possible, not definitive, grounds to receive a disciplinary infraction.

Mr. Sharma explained that if external authorities appeal to the university to take disciplinary action on a certain case, they will have no choice but to do so. He clarified that the decision to take disciplinary measures will be reserved by the University on a case by case basis.

The current Alcohol and Drugs Policy of Ashoka University asserts that the ‘use of alcohol, tobacco, and other illegal substances is not permitted in the residence hall’. Dealing in narcotics in residences or campus premises will also lead to students being expelled from residential housing in addition to further disciplinary action.

This advisory comes after a rave party in Sonipat was recently raided by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s flying squad. 150 students in the Anjali Guesthouse, most of whom were intoxicated, were detained at Rai Police Station. This course of action was taken by the flying squad after they received information about frequent parties being thrown at the guesthouse.