Education – JNU Students Protest Rustication and Policy Disputes
Education – Members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union staged a protest inside the campus on Sunday, raising concerns over recent disciplinary measures and the implementation of University Grants Commission regulations. The demonstration, held at several prominent points within the university premises, drew participation from students who questioned administrative decisions and called for immediate dialogue.
Protest Highlights Concerns Over Disciplinary Measures
The protest was primarily directed at the university’s decision to rusticate several student leaders and restrict their access to campus facilities. Participants said the action was excessive and demanded that the rustication orders be withdrawn. They also urged the administration to clarify its position on recent changes linked to UGC guidelines, which they believe have implications for equity and representation within higher education institutions.
Students carrying placards and addressing small gatherings stated that disciplinary measures should not undermine student representation. According to those present, the demonstration remained peaceful, though slogans were raised seeking accountability from university authorities.
Rustication of Student Union Office-Bearers
The controversy follows one of the most stringent disciplinary actions taken by the university in recent years. Authorities at Jawaharlal Nehru University rusticated four office-bearers of the students’ union for two academic semesters. Among those affected are JNUSU President Aditi Mishra and Vice President Gopika K Babu.
The action was taken over allegations of vandalism during a campus protest. University officials stated that property damage occurred during the incident and that disciplinary procedures were carried out in accordance with institutional rules.
In addition to the suspension from academic activities, the students were declared out of bounds from the campus with immediate effect. The restriction bars them from entering university premises for the duration of the penalty period.
Allegations of Damage to Library Security System
Further disciplinary measures were imposed on JNUSU General Secretary Sunil Yadav, Joint Secretary Danish Ali, and former JNUSU president Nitish Kumar. They were accused of damaging Facial Recognition Technology installed at the Dr BR Ambedkar Central Library.
According to an official order, Nitish Kumar was found responsible for destroying FRT-based access gates that had been set up at an estimated cost of around Rs 20 lakh. The incident reportedly took place on November 21, 2025. Alongside the rustication, the university administration imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 20,000 on him.
University authorities have maintained that the installation of facial recognition systems was part of broader security and access management measures. The administration has not indicated any reconsideration of the penalties so far.
Students’ Union Alleges Attempt to Curb Dissent
In a formal statement, the students’ union criticised the university’s action, describing it as disproportionate. The union claimed that the disciplinary steps were aimed at discouraging student-led protests, particularly those planned in response to the suspension of the UGC Promotion of Equity Regulations, 2026.
The students argued that these regulations play a crucial role in ensuring inclusivity within higher education institutions. They expressed concern that curbs on elected representatives weaken democratic processes within the campus community.
University officials, however, have refrained from commenting in detail on the political aspects of the protest, focusing instead on the procedural basis of the disciplinary decisions.
Ongoing Tensions on Campus
The developments have intensified discussions within the university about governance, accountability, and student rights. While protests remained confined to campus grounds, the issue has drawn attention from academic circles observing how institutions handle disciplinary matters involving elected student representatives.
For now, the rustication orders remain in effect. Students have indicated that further demonstrations may follow if their demands are not addressed. The situation continues to unfold, with both sides standing firm on their respective positions.