Sikkim University has canceled the provisional admission of first-semester M.Com student Raj Shekhar Yadav following an inquiry into complaints of serious misconduct and breach of discipline. The decision, outlined in an official order issued by the university's Registrar on Thursday, stems from Yadav's alleged posting of objectionable and derogatory content in a departmental WhatsApp group between August 14 and 16.
According to the university's office order, Yadav was found guilty of violating the institution's code of conduct by sharing messages that disrespected India's Independence Day celebrations and showed disregard for the Nepali language and community. The content reportedly questioned the observance of Independence Day and referred to Nepali as a "foreign language," suggesting speakers should "go to Nepal." The university's Disciplinary Committee conducted an inquiry based on complaints from faculty members of the Department of Commerce and the Sikkim University Students Association (SUSA), leading to the recommendation for immediate cancellation of his admission under Statute 29 (4) of the Sikkim University Act and Ordinance OC-12.
The order, signed by Prof. Laxuman Sharma, Registrar (I/C), states: "The said Disciplinary Committee has found Mr. Raj Shekhar Yadav guilty of indiscipline and violating the University's code of conduct for resorting to misconducts by posting objectionable, indecent and derogatory contents on the departmental WhatsApp group... relating to disrespect to national days of importance (celebration of Independence Day) and his personal disregard to the Nepali language and community at large." The cancellation takes immediate effect, and copies of the order have been distributed to key university officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Finance Officer, and Deans of all Schools of Studies.
The incident has sparked widespread controversy, with SUSA condemning the remarks as "anti-national" and divisive, particularly given Nepali's status as an official language under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Reports indicate that Yadav was briefly detained by Sikkim Police on August 19 under sections 196(1) and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita following complaints from local students, though he was later released. Police action was initiated after a General Diary entry at Ranipool Police Station, prompted by the university community's outrage.
In response to the backlash, Yadav reportedly issued a handwritten apology to the Head of the Department of Commerce, expressing regret for his comments and stating they were made "unknowingly or disrespectfully without intent to cause pain." He pledged to learn from the mistake and promote respect and tolerance toward all cultures. SUSA, in a press release, emphasized the need for inclusiveness and patriotism while protecting linguistic identities.
University officials have not commented further on the matter, but sources indicate the administration acted swiftly to maintain campus harmony in the multi-ethnic region. Sikkim, where Nepali is widely spoken and holds cultural significance, has seen similar sensitivities in the past, underscoring the importance of respectful discourse in educational settings.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in balancing free expression with community respect in diverse academic environments. Yadav, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had been provisionally admitted earlier this year based on the university's merit list for the 2025-26 academic session. No further disciplinary actions or appeals have been announced at this time.
