Guwahati: Gauhati University on Tuesday defended its handling of the 2026–27 Post-Graduate Students’ Union (PGSU) election, rejecting what it described as “inaccurate and misleading information” about the nomination and grievance process.
The university said all decisions concerning nominations were taken on the basis of official records and through the prescribed institutional mechanisms, including the Returning Officer, Election Tribunal, Appeal Hearing Committee and Grievances Redressal Cell.
“The University has a responsibility to place the complete facts on record. The matter has been dealt with through the established institutional mechanisms and on the basis of official records. There has been no question of targeting any individual student,” Gauhati University Registrar Prof Utpal Sarma said.
The university said concerns over the eligibility of two candidates, Nayan Akash Bora and Pratik Sharma, were raised during scrutiny of nominations on September 23. The matter was referred to the Election Tribunal, which advised that their nominations should not be considered.
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Election Notification-5/2026, issued on September 24, subsequently recorded the cancellation of the nominations following the tribunal’s decision.
Bora subsequently submitted appeals on September 25 and 26. Following legal opinion, an Appeal Hearing Committee was constituted on September 26, and Bora was given an opportunity to appear before it. The hearing was video recorded, after which the findings were communicated to the concerned parties.
A Grievances Redressal Cell was constituted on September 27.
University Classes Secretary Dr Ranjan Kumar Kakati said the sequence of events showed that the matter had been considered through the prescribed mechanisms.
“It is therefore incorrect to suggest that the University acted arbitrarily or without providing an opportunity for the matter to be considered,” Kakati said.
University flags dual enrolment
Gauhati University said its records showed that the concerned student had been simultaneously pursuing two postgraduate programmes.
According to the university, the student had initially enrolled in one postgraduate programme under the fee-waiver category but did not clear all papers in the first and second semesters. The student subsequently enrolled in another postgraduate programme, also under the fee-waiver category.
The university further said its records showed that the student continued as a boarder in a hostel as a third-semester student of the earlier programme, while hostel accommodation was also offered to the student as a first-semester student of the subsequent programme. The latter accommodation was not accepted, while the earlier hostel status remained active.
The university said the issue had implications beyond the election process because fee-waiver admissions and access to institutional facilities affect other eligible students.
“A past practice cannot become a precedent for perpetuating something that is not in accordance with the prescribed framework. The University has to apply the rules fairly and consistently, keeping in mind the interests of all eligible students,” Kakati said.
Returning Officer for the PGSU election, Prof SK Singh, said the election was being conducted within the applicable rules and institutional framework.
He said the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee emphasise transparent student elections, clear eligibility conditions and mechanisms for scrutiny and grievance redressal.
“Once information relevant to the eligibility of a candidate is brought before the election authorities, it has to be examined in accordance with the applicable rules,” Singh said.
He added that candidates could seek redress through the prescribed mechanisms.
Gauhati University appealed to students and other stakeholders to rely on verified information and official records and maintain peace and discipline during the election process.
The university said it remained committed to conducting the PGSU election in accordance with the applicable rules and addressing genuine grievances through the designated institutional forums.
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