Chandigarh, March 26 — The much-anticipated concert by Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan at Panjab University (PU) was cancelled on Tuesday night after Chandigarh Police denied approval, citing space constraints and the risk of an overcrowded venue near the University Business School.
Despite PU Campus Students Council (PUCSC) vice-president and concert organiser Archit Garg expressing hope of receiving a no-objection certificate (NOC), the police did not grant permission until the last minute.
Following the cancellation, Archit and other students staged a protest at the venue. Archit claimed personal financial losses due to expenses on labour, stage setup, and venue changes from the cricket ground. He accused PU authorities of delaying the approval process and failing to support the event.
PU’s Dean Student Welfare (DSW) Amit Chauhan clarified that the university had granted conditional permission, subject to police clearance, and stated that the concert could be rescheduled.
Around 10:30 pm, students surrounded the vice-chancellor’s residence, shouting slogans. Archit announced a hunger strike in protest. Police Control Room (PCR) vehicles were seen rushing to the scene, but no students were detained by the time of going to print.
