Protests Banned on JNU Campus, Violators May Face Expulsion

New Delhi: Imposing new rules, the authorities of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have restricted the holding of protests and demonstrations on campus. Students violating this ban order may face hefty fines and even expulsion from the institute.

Earlier, as per a Delhi High Court order, protests within 100 metres of the administrative blocks, which house the offices of the Vice-Chancellor, registrar, and proctors, were prohibited. The recently revised Chief Proctor Office (CPO) manual, approved in November 2023, prohibits protests within 100 meters of academic buildings, including classrooms and labs. This extends restrictions previously imposed around administrative blocks.

Violating these restrictions can result in a fine of Rs 20,000 or even expulsion from the campus. Besides, any activity deemed “anti-national” or inciting intolerance towards religion, caste, or community is punishable with a Rs 10,000 fine, according to the new university manual.

The JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) has termed the new rules, an attempt to “stifle dissent” and restrict campus activism. The JNUSU demanded the immediate revoke of the revised manual.