KOLKATA NEWS: The student protest at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata continues amid a prolonged dispute between students and the institute administration. The agitation has attracted support from actor Naseeruddin Shah and filmmaker Payal Kapadia, while concerns over suspended classes and hostel facilities have added to the uncertainty facing students.
According to reports published on October 25, the protest had entered its 27th day. The administration had suspended academic activities in two wings until November 13 and closed the hostels and hostel mess. Students have continued their agitation and are demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera.
Why Are SRFTI Students Protesting in Kolkata?
The dispute follows campus clashes reported on September 27 and October 4, 2026. The incidents led to allegations, disciplinary proceedings and an escalating disagreement between students and the institute administration.
Students have questioned the administration's handling of campus security and disciplinary action. They have also demanded accountability, the withdrawal of disciplinary notices and the rescheduling of missed classes.
The administration, meanwhile, has taken disciplinary action against students and cited alleged misconduct, including assault, vandalism and breaches of discipline. Students have disputed the allegations and challenged the disciplinary decisions.
These claims remain contested and should be understood as allegations attributed to the respective parties.
Naseeruddin Shah Backs the Protesting Students
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has publicly expressed support for the protesting students through a video shared on social media.
Shah criticised the handling of the dispute and argued that students seeking accountability should not face intimidation. His remarks brought additional national attention to the ongoing agitation at the Kolkata film institute.
His comments have also prompted political reactions, making the dispute a subject of wider public debate beyond the campus.
Filmmaker Payal Kapadia Also Expresses Support
Filmmaker Payal Kapadia has also expressed solidarity with the students. During the protest, students screened her documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing, followed by an online interaction with the director.
The film screening connected the current agitation with broader discussions about student activism, freedom of expression and the role of educational institutions in supporting creative work.
SRFTI Classes Suspended Until November 13
Reports published on October 25 stated that academic activities in two wings of the institute had been suspended until November 13, 2026. The administration had also closed the hostels and hostel mess.
The measures have raised concerns about students' ability to continue their studies and access basic facilities while the dispute remains unresolved.
Students remaining on campus have reported difficulties involving drinking water, food access and other amenities. The Indian Express reported that the administration had not commented on the reported water shutdown at the time of publication.
The current academic and hostel arrangements should be checked against the latest institute notices before students make decisions about travel or accommodation.
Why Are Students Demanding the Vice-Chancellor's Resignation?
The students' central demand is the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera. They accuse the administration of failing to adequately address campus safety concerns and say the disciplinary measures taken against students are unjustified.
The administration has taken a different position, citing alleged misconduct and disciplinary breaches. Reports also indicate that six students were expelled for two semesters following the dispute.
The disagreement involves competing accounts of the campus incidents and the administration's response. An independent assessment of the allegations should not be assumed without verified findings.
What Happens Next in the SRFTI Protest?
The immediate questions concern whether students and the administration can reach an agreement, whether normal academic activities will resume as scheduled, and whether hostel facilities will reopen.
The suspension was reported to remain in effect until November 13, 2026, subject to any subsequent decision by the institute. Students and parents should rely on official SRFTI notices for confirmed changes.
The situation may also continue to attract attention from the film industry and public figures as the dispute develops.
Latest Update on SRFTI Kolkata Protest
As of the reporting available on October 25, 2026, the student agitation remained unresolved. The students continued to demand the vice-chancellor's resignation, while the dispute over disciplinary action, campus security and basic facilities remained central to the conflict.
For further updates, readers should follow official institute communications and credible news reporting. Pulsenex Updates will provide further information as verified developments emerge.
Editorial note: This report is based on published news coverage available on October 25, 2026. Allegations are attributed to the parties making them and should not be interpreted as independently established findings. Update this article when verified new information becomes available.
