StudentProtest – JNU Students Rally After Union Panel Rusticated
StudentProtest – Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi saw renewed student protests this week after former students’ union president Kanhaiya Kumar joined demonstrators opposing recent disciplinary action taken by the administration. The mobilisation followed an order by Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit to rusticate all four elected members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union, a move that has drawn criticism from several student groups.
Administrative Order Sparks Campus Unrest
The unrest began after the university administration issued rustication orders against the entire four-member panel of the JNUSU. Student organisations described the decision as unprecedented, arguing that it effectively leaves the elected body unable to represent students at a crucial time in the academic calendar.
Many on campus said the action created what they called a “representation vacuum,” with no formally recognised student leadership to raise concerns or participate in discussions with the administration. While the university has not released a detailed public explanation of the order, student groups have linked the decision to recent protests on campus.
Protest Linked to Surveillance Concerns
The suspended union leaders, including JNUSU president Aditi Mishra, had been actively involved in demonstrations opposing expanded monitoring measures in certain academic spaces. One such concern involved the Ambedkar Central Library, where students raised objections to what they described as increased surveillance practices.
Protesters argue that additional monitoring inside study areas could undermine student privacy and create a restrictive academic atmosphere. The administration has not publicly clarified the scope or purpose of the surveillance measures, but university officials have previously maintained that security initiatives are implemented to ensure safety and protect campus property.
Kanhaiya Kumar’s Visit Draws Attention
The protest gained further visibility when Kanhaiya Kumar, who previously served as JNUSU president, visited the campus and stood alongside the demonstrators. Videos circulating on social media showed students gathering in large numbers, raising slogans and playing daflis during the march.
Chants such as “Halla Bol” and “Larr-chalo” echoed across parts of the campus as students called for the immediate withdrawal of the rustication order. Some were also heard raising slogans of “Azadi,” a phrase that has featured prominently in earlier student movements at the university.
Kumar’s presence was seen by many participants as a symbolic gesture of solidarity. Aditi Mishra described his return to campus during the protest as a morale booster for students who feel their elected representation has been sidelined. She said the demonstration reflects broader concerns about student rights and institutional decision-making.
Administration Yet to Respond Publicly
As of now, the university administration has not issued an official statement responding to the latest round of protests or to Kumar’s participation. Student organisations have formally demanded that the rustication order be revoked and that the elected panel be reinstated.
The situation remains fluid, with further meetings and demonstrations expected if no resolution is reached. JNU has a long history of student activism, and observers note that disputes between student groups and university authorities have periodically shaped campus discourse.
For now, the focus remains on whether dialogue between the administration and student representatives can resume, and whether the current standoff will lead to policy clarifications or further disciplinary steps.