A coalition of student, youth, women, workers and civil society organisations- including AISA, AIPWA, AICCTU, BAPSA, BSM, CPI(ML) Liberation, Jan Sanskriti Manch, RYA, Rihai Manch, Socialist Party and Nationalist Youth Party- organised a protest march today from Parivartan Chowk to the District Magistrate’s office. According to organisers, the march was stopped midway by police.
The mobilisation followed a 48-hour ultimatum reportedly issued by students to the university administration on 23 February, seeking clarification regarding the sealing of Lal Baradari. Organisers stated that they have not yet received a written response from the administration.
According to the coalition, on 22 February Lal Baradari- described by them as a 200-year-old heritage structure- was sealed. They stated that no written executive order, structural safety report, or formal public notification was made available to them at the time. Students who sought documentation also alleged that preventive notices were issued and police deployment increased at the site.
A memorandum addressed to the Hon’ble Governor through the District Magistrate was submitted. The coalition outlined the following demands:
- Public disclosure of any executive order related to the sealing of Lal Baradari.
- Disclosure of a structural or technical inspection report, if conducted.
- Clarification regarding utilisation of ₹5 crore reportedly sanctioned under the PM-USHA scheme for preservation.
- Withdrawal of cases, show cause notices and disciplinary proceedings issued in connection with the protests.
- Constitution of a review committee including student representatives and technical experts.
- Reopening of Lal Baradari with appropriate safety measures, should no immediate structural risk be established.
Several representatives addressed the gathering.
Manish Kumar, President, AISA UP, stated that transparency through written documentation would help address concerns raised by students.
Ahmad Raza Khan, a student of the University of Lucknow, said that students were seeking access to official orders and inspection reports to understand the basis of the administrative decision.
Sarojini Bisht, AIPWA, expressed concern that the matter had created anxiety among sections of students and emphasised the importance of institutional dialogue.
Madhusudan Magan, Secretary, AICCTU Lucknow, called for disclosure of any technical assessment supporting the sealing decision.
Other speakers from participating organisations reiterated the need for clarity, equal application of rules, and peaceful resolution through dialogue.
The coalition stated that their movement would continue through “peaceful and constitutional means” and that they may consider further democratic or legal recourse if their demands remain unaddressed.
They added that the issue concerns transparency in governance, public fund accountability and the functioning of public universities.
For further information:
Shantam Nidhi, AISA
9318416751