In a hate back / revengeful step the Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University has sent a legal notice of defamation worth Rs. 50 Lakh and terms it an harassment attempt to a noted RTI activist and its own ex- student Afroz Alam Sahil. The civil society, educationists, students and activists are widely condemning the JMI administration for the notice which is going to affect the society and nation as well.
In fact, Afroz Alam Sahil is constantly questioning JMI’s administration through powerful tool of RTI so this is an open attempt to suppress the voice of dissent as well as freedom of speech. It is well known to all that since last six months, he had started a campaign to ensure democratic rights for students of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) where election of Students Union is not allowed since 2006.
There are many issues which include corruption, fellowships, hostel allotment, health services and security for women students which he raised by his RTI applications, campaigning letters, handbills and letters to professors and faculty members. Sahil has contributed a lot through his RTI activism to expose irregularities and corruption in public institutions. The infamous Batla House “Encounter” Postmortem report was out by his RTI, is a glaring example of his activism.
Indian Constitution provides freedom of speech to each and every citizen of the country and there should not be any attempt to suppress those who favours these rights. Many groups are condemning the step of JMI and demanding to withdraw its legal notice with immediate effect to ensure freedom of speech and to encourage its own outstanding student. And also asking JMI administration to clarify the issues raised by Sahil Instead of sending legal notice.
