Pune: The Senate meeting of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) turned chaotic on Saturday after a heated argument erupted between members of the Management Council and Senate representatives. The dispute escalated into a physical confrontation, requiring security personnel to intervene. Following the commotion, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi was forced to adjourn the session.
Clash Over Jeevansadhana Gaurav Awards
For the first time in the university’s history, an adjournment motion was passed before the Vice-Chancellor could deliver his speech. The root of the dispute was the selection of recipients for the "Jeevansadhana Gaurav Awards", an honor presented on the university’s foundation day. Some Senate members criticized the university administration for its handling of the event, which triggered strong reactions from Management Council members.
A faction within the Senate insisted that not all Management Council members should be held responsible for the alleged mismanagement. However, the discussion soon turned into a heated exchange between Management Council member Sagar Vaidya and Senate member Ashok Sawant. As the argument intensified, both individuals confronted each other aggressively, leading to the intervention of security personnel and other members to de-escalate the situation.
University Vice-Chancellor Forced to Adjourn Proceedings
In light of the escalating conflict, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi announced an adjournment of the session. This development marks a rare incident in the university’s history, as the Senate meeting was disrupted before the formal address by the Vice-Chancellor.
Following the adjournment, several senior members expressed concerns over the breach of decorum and questioned the impact of such disputes on the university’s reputation. Some even raised doubts about whether proper parliamentary conduct was being upheld in the Senate.
