No ‘Anti-national’ Remarks, Dharnas: JNU Students May Face Expulsion, Hefty Fine For Flouting New Rules

Students in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) may now have to face fines and expulsion for staging dharnas, using posters to protest or raising ‘anti-national’ slogans or acts.

According to a new campus manual, putting up wall posters and staging dharnas within 100 metres of the academic buildings at the JNU can lead to a fine of up to Rs 20,000 or expulsion while any “anti-national” act will attract a Rs 10,000 fine.

The new rules also attract punishment leading to expulsion for the students who are found repeatedly violating the norms.

What is now Prohibited?

The new rules also bar protests within 100 metres of the academic buildings as well as where classes are conducted.

The manual further states that any act to incite intolerance towards a religion, caste, or community or an activity which is deemed “anti-national” will be imposed with a fine of Rs 10,000.

If a student is found involved in a hunger strike, dharna, ‘group bargaining’ and any other form of protest within a 100-metre radius of any academic and administrative complex or is found blocking the entrance or exit of any of these complexes, he or she will be either imposed a fine of Rs 20,000, evicted from the hostel for two months or be rusticated and declared out of bounds for up to two months, the CPO manual said.

All forms of coercion such as gheraos, sit-ins or any variation of the same which disrupt the normal academic and administrative functioning of the university or any act inciting violence will be punished as well, it added.

Why Is JNU imposing Fines on Dharnas?

The restrictions came after the university in October witnessed an incident in which an “anti-national” slogan was found scribbled on one of the building walls. The slogans sparked massive controversy.

Soon after the incident, JNU, which has often been the centre of controversy, announced setting up a committee to look into the repeated nature of such incidents on the campus.

The JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) has opposed the new rules saying that it is an attempt to stifle dissent on campus and demanding its 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,” the students’ union said.

They also have the power to waive, change or uphold the punishment if deemed fit. The university has prohibited printing, circulating or pasting posters or pamphlets carrying any kind of derogatory religious, communal, casteist or anti-national remarks.

A student who has received five or more punishments during the duration of their study shall be expelled from the university, the manual noted.

What Happens if A Student Is Found Guilty

If a student is found guilty of being involved in any of the prohibited activities and is given a punishment, he or she will not be allowed to register for the semester and will not be given a ‘no-dues’ certificate until the imposed fine is cleared.

The administration will also send a copy of the punishment to the parents or guardians of the student besides uploading it on the official website.

If a student fails to appear before the proctorial enquiry, the committee will assume that the complaint was filed with a malafide intention and the student may be asked to perform community service in JNU.

Any false allegation against any student by the complainant can also lead to rustication from the university.

(With inputs from PTI)