Over 100 students from St. Stephen's College at Delhi University reportedly face suspension for insufficient attendance during the morning assembly. College officials have suggested that these students may be barred from participating in the second-semester examinations as a penalty unless they contact their parents.

On February 17th, an official email from the principal's office was dispatched to students and parents. The communication emphasized the previous request for a meeting with the Principal to address concerns about low attendance during the morning assembly. Unfortunately, it was observed that the recipient did not attend the scheduled meeting at the Principal's office. Consequently, the letter expressed regret over non-compliance with the request, informing that as a result of suspension, the students would be denied permission to take the upcoming examinations.

The teachers have expressed their apprehensions regarding the impact of this action on the students. They highlighted the students' perspective, noting that a significant number of them reside independently due to college commitments, with their parents residing at considerable distances. The teachers emphasized that it would be highly inconvenient, if not impossible, for these students to comply with the short notice, given their prior commitments, scheduling constraints, and financial challenges. This response was conveyed collectively to the principal in a reply to the official mail.

In a letter addressed to the principal, Associate Professor Sanjeev Grewal conveyed his astonishment at the recent developments. He highlighted that students can only be barred from taking exams under specific circumstances, and non-attendance at the morning assembly does not fall within those grounds. Additionally, Professor Grewal pointed out that the morning assembly is a tradition unique to St. Stephen's College and lacks recognition by the university.

He also suggested that making attendance at the morning assembly mandatory might violate students' fundamental rights under Articles 25 and 28(3) of the Constitution, rendering it illegal. Consequently, he urged the administration to promptly revoke the suspension order for students and withdraw the looming threat of barring them from examinations due to insufficient attendance at the morning assembly.