'Approach HC' : Supreme Court To SHUATS University On Plea Against Alleged Forceful Installation Of Idols

The Supreme Court today (September 4) refused to entertain a writ petition seeking directions to the State of UP to protect the minority character of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science (SHUATS) after miscreants allegedly forcefully installed idols in the Dean's office. 

The Court has granted liberty to the petitioner to move the High Court under Article 226 Jurisdiction. 

The bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran was hearing a writ petition filed by Sam Higginbotham Charitable Society under Article 32 seeking directions to the state authorities to take cognisance of the representation made by the University regarding the forceful installation of idols in the Dean's office and celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi as opposed to the minority character of the University. 

The plea is filed by Sam Higginbottom Educational  and Charitable Society as well as Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences. 

Sr Advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for the petitioners, highlighted that the conduct of the miscreants is intended to 'destroy the minority character' of the petitioner, which is a Christian Minority Educational Institution. 

"It is a systematic effort in the state to destroy the minority character, your lordships."

Dave explained that the idol of Ganesha was installed in Dean's office despite rejection of the proposal to celebrate the festival in the Christian University. He said : 

"In the Dean's office, it's a minority institution...our prayer is that this representation, when we told the police, that please act on this, remove these miscreants from the premises who have installed these idols" 

He further added, "the police is doing nothing because anyway they are controlled by the state."

The case pertains to alleged disgruntled former employees of the University who during their service at proposed to organise Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the University Campus, which was not allowed, considering that the University's founding statutes stipulated strict adherence to only Christian principles. 

However, as per the petition,  the group of former employees and few miscreants proceeded to forcefully install an idol of Lord Ganesh on August 29 within the office of the Dean of Biotechnology. 

It is alleged that the offending group "commenced ceremonies compelling students, including those of other faiths, to participate". 

The plea added how this was in stark violation of Article 30(1) and the police and state have not taken any action against it despite representations being made. 

"This coerced participation and forcible imposition of non-Christian religious ceremonies glaringly violate the Petitioners constitutional right to preserve its minority character and are an affront to its autonomy guaranteed under Article 30(1). The police and State authorities, notwithstanding prior notice and a duty to protect minorities, failed to take prompt and effective action, thereby acting in contravention of their constitutional obligations." 

The bench, disinclined to entertain the petition, dismissed it; however, it gave liberty to the petitioner to move the High Court under Article 226 jurisdiction. 

" We are not inclined to entertain the Article 32 petition; the petition is rejected, and we delegate the petitioner to avail the remedy under 226 jurisdiction before the High Court." 

The prayers sought by the petitioner were : 

(1) Issue a writ of Mandamus, or any other writ or order, directing the Respondent State and authorities to act on the representation dated 29.08.2025 submitted by the Petitioner No.2 in order to protect the minority character and autonomy of the Petitioner No.2- University;

(ii) Issue a writ of Mandamus, or any other writ or order, directing the Respondent State and authorities to restrain all ex-employees, outsiders, and respondents from organising or attempting to organise religious activities not in conformity with the declared policy of the Respondent No.2-University

The petition was filed with the assistance of AOR Pallavi Sharma. 

Case Details: SAM HIGGINBOTTOM EDUCATIONAL AND CHARITABLE SOCIETY vs. STATE OF U.P| W.P.(Crl.) No. 000354 / 2025