Panjab University’s much-anticipated Scitron fest star night is caught in limbo as the UT administration has yet to issue a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the event, scheduled for Friday evening. The concert, featuring Haryanvi singer Masoom Sharma, has raised concerns due to recent controversies surrounding him.
On March 25, during a concert in Gurugram, Sharma allegedly pushed a man off the stage after an altercation. Just a day earlier, police had intervened in another of his performances over a song allegedly promoting gun violence. Despite these incidents, PU’s student council has chosen him as the fest’s headline performer, drawing mixed reactions.
With the event’s fate still undecided, PU authorities are proceeding cautiously. Dean Students Welfare (DSW) Amit Chauhan stated that organizers must sign an undertaking, accepting full responsibility if Sharma performs any offensive songs or engages in inappropriate behavior.
Organizers, led by PUCSC joint secretary, have proposed shifting the concert to a larger ground near UIET in South Campus. They met with the Sector 11 SHO to discuss logistics, including crowd control and security measures. If approved, entry will be restricted to ID card holders, and the UIET gate near Sector 24 will be closed post-5 PM.
Police officials, however, remain skeptical, citing inadequate parking for the expected 7,000 attendees. While the NOC decision rests with the deputy commissioner, police may flag concerns over crowd management and unauthorized loud music.
Meanwhile, financial transparency issues in PU fests Agaaz and Jhankaar have prompted DSW Chauhan to demand expenditure reports. This follows an indefinite hunger strike by PUCSC vice-president Archit Garg, now in its third day.
