In a significant move, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has imposed stringent regulations, imposing fines and possible expulsion for activities such as putting up posters or staging protests within 100 meters of academic buildings. The Chief Proctor Office (CPO) manual, updated recently, extends the ban to areas containing classrooms, labs, as well as the offices of chairpersons and deans.
Previously, protests near administrative blocks were restricted by a High Court order, encompassing offices of the Vice-Chancellor, registrar, and proctors. However, the revised manual now encompasses academic structures as well, where classes are conducted.
This decision follows an incident in October, where an “anti-national” slogan was found on the School of Languages building, prompting the administration to form a committee to address the recurring nature of such incidents on campus as reported by NDTV.
The JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) strongly opposes these new rules, labeling them an attempt to stifle dissent on campus and demanding their immediate withdrawal.
“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,” stated the students’ union.
Despite attempts to reach out, JNU registrar Ravikesh did not respond to calls and texts.
According to the updated rules, approved by the Executive Council on November 24, the Vice-Chancellor or the competent authority holds the power to deem an act punishable if it violates the university’s discipline and conduct standards. They also retain the authority to modify, waive, or uphold the punishment as deemed appropriate.
The university now explicitly prohibits the printing, circulation, or posting of posters or pamphlets containing derogatory religious, communal, casteist, or anti-national remarks. Acts deemed “anti-national” carry a fine of ₹10,000.
Engaging in protests, including hunger strikes, dharnas, and ‘group bargaining,’ within a 100-meter radius of academic and administrative complexes, or blocking entrances or exits, will result in a fine of ₹20,000, eviction from the hostel for two months, or even rustication for up to two months, according to the CPO manual.
Forms of coercion, disruptions to normal academic and administrative functioning, or acts inciting violence will also be met with punishment.
A notable addition is the expulsion of students who receive five or more punishments during their study. Additionally, students found guilty of prohibited activities will not be allowed to register for the semester until fines are cleared, and parents or guardians will be informed.
The university has eliminated cross-examination between defendant and complainant or witness during proctorial enquiries, and the Vice-Chancellor’s decision will be considered final in case of disputes over rule interpretation.
In response to complaints, if a student fails to appear before the proctorial enquiry, the committee may assume malafide intentions and assign community service in JNU.
Any false allegations may lead to rustication, emphasizing the gravity of accusations in the new guidelines.
JNU’s recent measures to restrict protests near academic buildings have sparked controversy, with the students’ union arguing against what they perceive as an attempt to suppress campus dissent. As the university faces criticism, the effectiveness and implications of these stringent rules remain a topic of ongoing debate within the academic community.
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