If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

A concerning situation has come to light involving a final-year B.Tech student, let’s call him Rohan, at the Premier Institute of Technology and Science (PITS) in Jayanagar. In mid-September 2025, a multinational corporation, “Innovate Solutions Pvt. Ltd.,” announced a campus placement drive, offering a significant annual package of INR 9,00,000.

Despite no students from his batch officially registering for the drive, Rohan and his classmates found their names automatically included in the initial selection pool. The college’s Training and Placement (TnP) cell has been allegedly pressuring and threatening students, stating that non-attendance will lead to serious consequences. This is not an isolated incident, and for a final-year student, such coercion is causing immense stress.

Rohan is a high-achieving student with a clear career path. He is a national-level Olympiad winner, deeply involved in algorithms and low-latency systems, and holds a senior position at a tech startup. Furthermore, he is preparing for a prestigious summer school in Europe and contributing to research at two different organizations. Being forced to participate in a placement drive that does not align with his goals is not only unethical but also a significant waste of his valuable time. He fears that resisting the college’s demands could jeopardize his academic standing and degree.

Advice in such cases

• Document Everything: Keep a record of all communication from the college’s placement cell. This includes emails, official notices, WhatsApp messages, or any other written directives. If the threats are verbal, make a note of the date, time, and the person who made the threat immediately after the incident.

• Review College Regulations: Carefully read the college prospectus, student handbook, and any placement policies you signed. The college’s authority is limited to what is stated in these official documents. If there is no rule mandating participation in every placement drive, the college’s actions may be a breach of their own regulations.

• Unite with Other Students: It is likely that other students are facing the same pressure. Approaching the administration as a group can be more effective and provides a safety net against individual targeting.

• Approach Higher Authorities: If the placement cell is unresponsive, escalate the matter formally to the Head of the Department, the Dean of Student Affairs, or the Director/Principal of the college. A written complaint, signed by multiple students, is often taken more seriously.

Applicable Sections of Law

The relationship between a student and an educational institution is primarily contractual and also falls under the purview of consumer protection laws.

• Indian Contract Act, 1872: Your admission to the college forms a contract. The terms are dictated by the prospectus and college rules. If the college imposes conditions (like forced placement attendance) that are not part of this original contract, it can be legally challenged. Any consent obtained through coercion or undue influence is not considered free consent, making the act voidable.

• Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Students are considered ‘consumers’ who are availing ‘services’ from the educational institution. Forcing students into activities against their will, making misleading promises, or adopting unfair practices can be challenged before a Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. This is a powerful tool for students against institutional malpractice.

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS): In extreme cases where the threats are severe and cause a reasonable fear of injury to person, reputation, or property, it could potentially amount to criminal intimidation under Section 342 of the BNS. However, this is a high threshold and would require clear evidence of serious threats.

If you are the complainant

• Gather All Proof: Collect all written communications, screenshots of messages, and any notices issued by the college. If possible, get written statements from fellow students who are also being subjected to the same pressure.

• Draft a Formal Representation: Write a clear and concise letter to the highest authority in the college (e.g., the Director or Chairman). Detail the issue, mention the specific threats, explain how it violates college policy (if applicable), and state your desired resolution. Submit it formally and keep a copy of the acknowledgment.

• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think. He can help you draft a legal notice to the college, which often prompts the administration to take the matter seriously and resolve it amicably.

If you are the victim

• Stay Calm and Assertive: Do not get into a verbal altercation with the placement cell officials. If you need to communicate, do so politely but firmly, preferably in writing, stating your position and reasons for not wishing to participate.

• Inform Your Guardians: Keep your parents or guardians informed about the situation. Their support can be crucial, and they can also communicate with the college administration on your behalf.

• Seek Support: Talk to your classmates and faculty members you trust. Building a support system within the college can help you navigate the pressure without feeling isolated.

• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think. An advocate can provide immediate guidance on how to protect your interests without escalating the conflict unnecessarily.

How the police behave in such cases

In matters perceived as internal to an educational institution, the police are generally hesitant to intervene directly. They will likely view it as a civil or administrative dispute rather than a criminal one, unless a clear cognizable offense is demonstrated. If you approach the police, they may advise you to first exhaust all internal grievance redressal mechanisms within the college. They might only register a complaint if there is strong prima facie evidence of a serious crime like criminal intimidation under the BNS, which is rare in such scenarios. The more effective route is often through a consumer complaint or a civil suit.

FAQs people normally have

What evidence is required?

Strong evidence is key to substantiating your claim. This includes:

• Emails, circulars, or official notices from the college or placement cell.

• Screenshots of WhatsApp or other messaging app communications.

• The college prospectus and placement policy documents.

• Audio or video recordings of conversations where threats are made (note: be aware of laws regarding recording conversations without consent).

• Witness statements from other students or even sympathetic faculty members.

How long will the investigation take?

The timeline varies greatly depending on the path you choose:

• Internal College Investigation: This can be relatively quick, often resolving within a few weeks, especially if a group of students raises the issue with the senior management.

• Consumer Court Complaint: The process can take several months to over a year, depending on the workload of the commission and the complexity of the case.

• Civil Suit: This is the longest route and can take several years to reach a final verdict.

• Police Investigation: If the police do register an FIR, the investigation timeline is governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), but this is the least likely path for such a case.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India