In terms of the 27 November order, NLSIU students were banned from leaving or entering campus between 9pm and 6am, with “strict instructions” given to security personnel to prevent anyone from leaving or entering.

“Those who are involved in such practices, should be aware of the fact that the general security environment in and around the heavily wooded Jnanabharathi University area, adjoining the NLSIU Campus is not very satisfactory and there is grave threat to the life and property of those moving in and out during night hours,” wrote NLSIU vice chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Venkata Rao in a notification to students dated 27 November.

“Violation of the above instructions will be viewed seriously. Instances of students moving in and out during the prohibited hours will be reported to the parents/guardians of the respective students through SMS/Email etc. In addition other disciplinary measures such as issuing of warnings, imposition of fine, suspension from Hostels, and suspension from classes and dismissal from the University for Repeated Offences etc. will be taken under intimation to the parents/Guardians.”

Yesterday, Rao wrote a letter addressed to students’ parents. “In light of the incident of alleged rape that took place on 13th October, 2012 in the Bangalore University Campus which is immediately next to NLSIU Campus,” noted the circular, the curfew had been imposed on students, although libraries would remain open until 3am.

“The Bangalore University Campus has a large forest area adjoining the NLSIU which is Leopard infested and also by other life threatening animals. Here you may refer to the initiative taken by the local Police to handle the increasing crimes in this region of Bangalore… As you are aware, the Bangalore city itself is becoming more and more unsafe now a days…

“The students are resisting this good initiative of the University for the safety of the students. It is learnt that the students are planning to go on strike on this issue. In case if they are going on strike, it will be viewed seriously.

“You are hereby advised to cooperate with the institution in the interest of your ward studying here, otherwise be mentally prepared for the consequences of your ward’s action.”

In the letter Rao defended the November order by setting out the curfew timings of Nalsar Hyderabad – which he said shut gates at 7pm and hostels by 9pm – and NLIU Bhopal, NLU Jodhpur and NLU Delhi, where he wrote campuses all also closed at 9pm.

A 7pm curfew for NLSIU was contemplated in the week after the alleged rape incident.

Rao was not reachable for comment at the time of going to press.

Photo credits: Tambako the Jaguar