Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Report Says India’s Academic Freedom Is Severely Restricted
A report says people at universities in India may have less freedom to share opinions.
On May 7, 2025, Santhakumar posted messages on WhatsApp against calls for war.
One message said people should not be afraid to say no to war.
Soon afterward, her phone number and picture spread online.
She then received hateful messages and death threats.
Her university suspended her the next day.
On December 9, 2025, the university ended her employment.
The report presents this case as an example of pressure on people who express dissent.
A report says academic freedom in India is severely restricted by government control and a crackdown on dissent.
On May 7, 2025, Santhakumar posted WhatsApp statuses opposing calls for war.
One post urged people to say no to war despite unpopular opinions.
Her phone number and picture later spread on social media, followed by online hate and death threats.
The university suspended her on May 8 and terminated her services on December 9, 2025.
- Who
- Santhakumar, her university, and people involved in the reported online harassment.
- What
- Santhakumar was suspended and later had her services terminated after posting WhatsApp messages opposing calls for war.
- When
- She posted the statuses on May 7, 2025; suspension followed on May 8, and termination occurred on December 9, 2025.
- Where
- India, with her phone number and picture circulated on social media.
- Why
- The report links the case to restrictions on academic freedom and a crackdown on dissent; the articles do not state the university’s formal reason for the actions.
- Report assessment
- India’s academic freedom is described as severely restricted.
- Person involved
- Santhakumar
- Initial posts
- Uploaded on WhatsApp on May 7, 2025.
- Message
- The posts opposed calls for war and urged people to say no to war.
- Online response
- Her phone number and picture went viral, followed by online hate and death threats.
- Suspension
- The university suspended her on May 8, 2025.
- Termination
- The university terminated her services on December 9, 2025.