Kolkata, 14 September (H.S.). The deadlock at Surendranath Law College continued on Monday as the ongoing student agitation over attendance and examination eligibility remained unresolved. Vice-Principal Mohammadhi Tarannum did not attend the college and instead began work from home. Students claimed that although they were present on the campus, no classes could be conducted as no teachers reported for duty.

Tarannum said she had sought an appointment with the authorities of the University of Calcutta for a meeting on Tuesday. She also assured that necessary arrangements would be made to ensure that all students are able to appear for their examinations.

Students, however, rejected the allegations and statements made by the Vice-Principal before the media over the past few days, describing them as factually incorrect. Third-year student Nilanjana Bhattacharya said a notice had been issued stating that the Vice-Principal would attend the college on Monday, but she did not turn up. No teachers were present either, resulting in the cancellation of classes.

The dispute at Surendranath Law College began last Wednesday after the college authorities reportedly refused to allow some students to appear for examinations on the grounds that they had not secured the required 40 per cent attendance. The decision triggered protests by students. On Thursday, the students kept the Vice-Principal surrounded inside the college premises throughout the night.

The protesting students have claimed that the college does not have an adequate system to verify attendance. They said the online portal does not even show the number of classes conducted, raising questions over how the attendance percentage is being calculated. They have consequently demanded that all affected students be allowed to appear for the examinations.

The Vice-Principal was released from the students' gherao on Friday following her resignation. She subsequently claimed before the media that she had been forced to resign under pressure. On Saturday, she said that after leaving the college, she had sent a counter-email stating that she had been compelled to resign and that she feared for her life had she refused. She also alleged that the draft of the resignation letter she signed had been prepared by the students.

The students have strongly denied these allegations, maintaining that no pressure was exerted on the Vice-Principal. Meanwhile, Tarannum said she would hold discussions with the University of Calcutta to make arrangements for students to complete their classes and regularise their attendance so that they do not face difficulties in appearing for their examinations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh