The administration of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi has stated it is taking "serious cognisance" of videos circulating online that show a group of students raising what it termed "highly objectionable, provocative and inflammatory" slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The incident occurred on the university campus on Monday, January 8.
University's Stern Response and Statement
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the JNU administration strongly condemned the actions of the students involved. The university clarified that the slogans were raised during a protest organized at the Sabarmati premises on Monday evening. The administration emphasized that such acts violate the established JNU Code of Conduct.
The statement further asserted that these slogans "have the potential to seriously disturb public order, campus harmony, and the safety and security environment of the University and the Nation." It drew a clear line between acceptable dissent and unacceptable speech, urging all stakeholders to understand the distinction between "dissent, abuse and hate speech."
"Such acts reflect a wilful disrespect for constitutional institutions and established norms of civil and democratic discourse," the university added. It warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against anyone found indulging in activities that disrupt peace, stating, "failing which strict action will be taken as per rules."
Context: Link to Supreme Court Verdict
The controversial slogans were raised on the same day the Supreme Court of India denied bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. Both are alumni of the university and are facing charges in a case related to the larger conspiracy behind the 2020 north-east Delhi riots.
The protest was initially part of a program titled "A Night of Resistance with Guerilla Dhaba," organized to mark the sixth anniversary of the violence that took place in JNU on January 5, 2020. According to the university's account, around 30–35 students had gathered. However, the nature of the gathering changed sharply after the Supreme Court's verdict was announced, leading to the chanting of the slogans in question.
Police Involvement and Political Reactions
In a significant escalation, the JNU administration has also formally approached the Vasant Kunj (North) police station. As reported by the ANI news agency, the university has requested the Station House Officer to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the individuals responsible for raising the slogans.
The incident quickly drew reactions from major political parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the event and accused opposition parties of supporting such actions. On the other hand, the Congress party stated that while everyone has the right to protest a court judgment, the use of inflammatory language should be condemned.
The JNU administration's firm stance highlights the ongoing tensions on campus regarding the limits of protest and the use of language deemed hateful or threatening to public order.
