Punjab and Haryana HC Asks Police To Verify Alleged Rape Incident Behind LPU Campus Violence
The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed Punjab Police to verify if any rape occurred at LPU before campus violence erupted over unverified social media rumors, as a PIL seeks a CBI probe. The Court noted that if no such incident occurred, law enforcement must detail actions taken to secure the takedown of the unverified Reddit post that reportedly triggered the campus rumours.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab Police to clarify whether any s*xual assault actually took place at Lovely Professional University (LPU) prior to the outbreak of widespread violence and arson on the campus. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor issued the directives during proceedings on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the unrest.
High Court Directives and Status Report
Addressing the bench, the Court emphasised the necessity of verifying the origins and veracity of the claims that circulated online. "In the facts of the case, we call upon the State of Punjab to file a status report to specify whether any incident has occurred as was reported on Reddit, social media platform on September 26th. Whether such an incident took place or not will be clarified," the Court ordered, reports Bar and Bench. LPU Violence: Students Allege Video Was Scripted and Trimmed Without Consent Over Rape Allegations.
The bench instructed authorities to outline steps taken to ascertain the facts on the ground. Furthermore, the Court noted that if no such incident occurred, law enforcement must detail actions taken to secure the takedown of the unverified Reddit post that reportedly triggered the campus rumours.
Background of Campus Unrest
Violence erupted at the LPU campus after reports spread regarding the alleged s*xual assault of a female student. While a formal criminal case has been registered by local authorities, investigators have yet to conclusively establish that the incident occurred. The ensuing chaos involved widespread destruction of property and the looting of campus shops. In response to the security situation, the university suspended academic classes and activities for 10 days starting September 28.
Arguments and Legal Contentions
Representing the petitioner, Senior Advocate Gaurav Chopra, along with advocate Arjun Sheoran, argued that there was a "method to madness" behind the coordinated unrest, pointing out that similar unverified claims also sparked violence at Chitkara University in Rajpura just hours before the LPU chaos. "We cannot allow violence to take place for three days like this. Complete breakdown," Chopra submitted.
Additional Advocate General Chanchal K Singla informed the Court that the violence spread following a social media post on Reddit. "We are in touch with Reddit and trying to find out the source of it," Singla said, confirming that investigations are underway regarding both the assault allegations and the origin of the digital posts. Did a Punjab Police Officer Claim Amit Shah's Nephew Was Involved in the LPU Incident? Fact Check Calls Claim Fake.
Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain, appearing for the Central government, emphasised the volatile nature of unverified online rumours. “You give an impression to the students that two girls have been raped and committed suicide, it is sufficient to provoke a reaction from them,” Jain stated. The High Court has listed the matter for further hearing next week, directing the State to ensure campus safety and prevent further escalation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2026 12:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
