Jawaharlal Nehru University, one of the most prominent universities in Delhi, known for its world-class education and popularly known ‘woke’ students has issued a manual that restricts any protest dharna and wall posters within 100 metres of the academic buildings. Anyone found offending the rule will be slammed with a fine of up to Rs 20,000 or direct expulsion from the university.
The new manual was issued by the JNU Students’ Discipline and Conduct Rule with the nod of the highest decision-making body of the university on November 24. The rule was listed under the headline “rules of discipline and proper conduct of students of Jawaharlal Nehru University.”
Earlier, the High Court ordered to ban protests within 100 metres of the administrative blocks that have the offices of the Vice-Chancellor, registrar, proctors, and others. The academic building includes offices of chairpersons, deans, and other important office-bearers, apart from classrooms and labs.
The ban was issued when the university noticed “anti-national” slogan inscribed on the wall of School of Languages building in October to which a committee was set up to understand the continuous attempts of such cases.
The JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) has opposed new developments saying, “The stringent measures outlined in the manual are aimed at stifling the vibrant campus culture that has defined JNU for decades. The JNUSU demands that the university administration immediately revoke the new manual of the office of the Chief Proctor Manual.”
Additionally, the university banned printing, circulating or pasting posters or pamphlets of any kind of derogatory religious, communal, casteist or anti-national remarks.
The university has also issued a warning for students that anyone who has received five or more punishments during their study period shall be expelled from the university. If a student is found guilty of engaging in any of the prohibited activities and is punished, he or she will be unable to register for the semester and will not be issued a ‘no-dues’ certificate until the imposed fine is paid.