Kerala High Court Stays MG University VC Order Withdrawing Conference Funding Over 'Cockroach' Poster

A detailed order is awaited.

One of the posters depicted a cockroach standing defiantly before a boot whereas another showed a cockroach appearing to push against or hold back a large curtain.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas today granted the interim relief in a plea filed by the varsity's Students' Union.

According to the plea, the student body proposed to host a three-day National Conference as an academic event within the university campus after getting approval and financial sanction from the University. Thereafter, an amount of Rs. 2.81 lakhs, 75% of the total sanctioned amount of Rs. 3.75 lakhs, was released to the Union.

While the preparations for the events were in full swing, the University issued a circular stating that political activities would not be permitted in events conducted using its funds and prescribing prior permission for using its emblem.

According to the plea, the two cockroach-themed posters were the reason for the afore circular. Thereafter, the Director of Students' Welfare mechanically issued a notice alleging that certain posters displayed in connection with the conference had “political overtones” and were in violation of the MG University Students' Code of Conduct Rules, 2005 as well as other rules and circulars.

The Students' Union representative appeared before the afore Director and submitted that none of the posters or banners had any political symbols, flags or any campaign material relating to any political party recognized by Election Commission of India.

Following this, written explanation was given but the VC went on withdraw funding. Aggrieved, the Union has approached the High Court praying to quash the afore order.

The case is now posted to September 10 for further consideration.

The petition is moved by Advocates K.S. Arun Kumar, Amrutha K.P., Vijay Sankar V.H., Jasal M. J., M.N. Maya, Jerin Joseph, Deepa Varma K., and Ahsan Najeeb.

Case No: WP(C) 27279/2026

Case Title: Mahatma Gandhi University Students Union and Anr. v. Mahatma Gandhi University and Ors.