The Madras High Court has provided temporary relief to a postgraduate student who was suspended from the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) for allegedly creating graffiti with the phrases "Jai Bhim" and "Free Palestine" in his hostel room. Justice T.V. Thamilselvi has stayed the suspension and directed the institute to allow the student, S. Aslam, to attend exams and participate in the internship program.

The court's interim order came in response to a petition filed by Aslam, a second-year Master of Social Work student, challenging the suspension order issued on May 25, 2025. According to Aslam, Assistant Registrar Avinav Thakur, along with the warden and assistant warden, inspected the hostel premises on May 24 and discovered the graffiti. Following this, an inquiry committee was formed.

Aslam alleged that he and other students had previously exposed a sexual assault case against Kumar in Jharkhand, and that Thakur used his influence to manipulate the committee and coerce students into testifying against him. Aslam's counsel argued that the committee suspended him without giving him a fair chance to present his case, and that preventing him from participating in the internship program would cause him irreparable harm.

Justice Thamilselvi, after reviewing the submissions, issued the interim order, emphasizing the student's welfare. The court instructed the institute to issue Aslam a hall ticket for his exams and to allow him to participate in the block placement program in the social service department. The hearing has been adjourned to June 25, 2025.

The RGNIYD, which operates under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, had suspended Aslam and two other students, Sayeedh M.A. and Nahal Ibnu Abullaise, on May 25, following an inspection of hostel rooms and an inquiry triggered by the discovery of the slogans. However, the High Court's order specifically addresses Aslam's case, as he was the only one to file a petition.

Justice Thamilselvi noted that preventing the student from taking his exams would cause undue hardship, especially considering he is at the end of his academic program. The court also directed the institute to reschedule Aslam's examination, allow him to attend the placement program in the Department of Social Work, and include him in the institute's official WhatsApp group to facilitate his continued education, pending the outcome of the writ petition.

Aslam's counsel stated that he has a clean academic record and has always been a dedicated student. They also argued that Thakur's alleged animosity towards Aslam and other students, stemming from their exposure of the sexual assault complaint, influenced the inquiry committee's proceedings.