JNU Bans Protests on Campus: Students May Face Expulsion for Flouting Restrictions
New Delhi, December 12, 2023: In a significant move, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) bans protests on campus through its revised Chief Proctor Office (CPO) manual, introducing stringent rules that prohibit protests, including wall posters and dharnas, within 100 meters of academic buildings on campus. This development marks a notable shift in the university’s approach to campus activities, reflecting its commitment to maintaining an environment conducive to academic pursuits.
Key Highlights of the New JNU Manual:
- Prohibition of Protests: The updated manual strictly bans any form of protest, dharna, or the display of wall posters within 100 meters of academic buildings.
- Severe Penalties for Violations: Students found violating these rules may face hefty fines of up to Rs 20,000 or face expulsion from the university.
- Expansion of Restricted Areas: Previously, such protests were only banned within 100 meters of administrative blocks. The new rule extends this prohibition to a wider area, encompassing all academic facilities.
- Aim to Curb Dissent: The manual’s revision follows an incident in October where an “anti-national” slogan was found on a campus building, leading to concerns over campus discipline.
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JNUSU’s Response: The JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) has vehemently opposed the new rules. They argue that these measures are aimed at stifling the historically vibrant and active campus culture of JNU. The JNUSU is demanding an immediate revocation of the new manual, emphasizing its detrimental impact on student freedoms.
Enhanced Authority for Punishments: The manual, ratified by JNU’s Executive Council, empowers the Vice-Chancellor or competent authority to determine punishable acts. Activities considered derogatory, anti-national, or disruptive will attract fines. The manual also stipulates that students with repeated offenses may face expulsion, and false allegations can lead to rustication. Notably, the decision of the Vice-Chancellor is final in disputes, with no provision for cross-examination during proctorial inquiries.
Background of the Ban: The ban on protests within the vicinity of academic buildings comes in the wake of a directive by the High Court, which previously ordered a ban on protests near administrative blocks. The new rule further extends this ban to include areas around offices of chairpersons, deans, and other significant academic personnel, along with classrooms and laboratories.
Further Restrictions: In addition to the protest ban, the university has prohibited the printing, circulation, or pasting of posters or pamphlets containing derogatory, religious, communal, casteist, or anti-national remarks. Students are warned that receiving five or more punishments during their study period will lead to expulsion. Additionally, students punished for engaging in prohibited activities will be barred from semester registration and will not receive a ‘no-dues’ certificate until fines are paid.
Conclusion: JNU, known for its world-class education and its socially aware student body, faces a significant change in its campus culture with these new rules. As JNU bans protests on campus, aimed at maintaining discipline and order, these regulations have sparked a debate about the balance between freedom of expression and the need for a disciplined academic environment. The university administration has not yet responded to requests for comment on these developments.
