In a significant escalation, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has formally approached the police, seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against members of its Left-led students' union and other students. The action stems from a protest held on Monday night outside the Sabarmati Hostel, where slogans deemed "objectionable, provocative and inflammatory" were allegedly raised.
University Takes Stern Action, Launches Dual Probe
The university has not only filed the police complaint at the Vasant Kunj police station but has also initiated a proctorial inquiry into the incident. A report concerning the event has been submitted to the Union Education Ministry. In a clear message, the JNU administration stated on its official X handle that students involved would face severe disciplinary measures, including immediate suspension, expulsion, and permanent debarment from the university.
The administration's post emphasized that while universities are centres for innovation and freedom of speech is a fundamental right, they "cannot be permitted to be converted into laboratories of hate." It firmly added that any form of violence, unlawful conduct, or anti-national activity would not be tolerated.
Protest Context and Alleged Sloganeering
The protest was organized by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) to mark the sixth anniversary of the January 5, 2020, campus violence and to oppose the Supreme Court's verdict denying bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. During the vigil, participants allegedly raised objectionable slogans targeting the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.
In its detailed complaint, the university asserted that the slogans amounted to "hate speech," violated the JNU Code of Conduct, and had the potential to seriously disturb public order and campus harmony. It further described the act as "a direct contempt of the Supreme Court" and sought an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Political Condemnation and Student Union's Defence
The incident quickly drew sharp criticism on social media, including from BJP cabinet ministers. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood condemned the sloganeering, calling it an "act against the nation" that fell within the ambit of sedition. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) also condemned the protest, alleging "anti-national" sloganeering and demanding strict action.
In response, the JNUSU stated that their peaceful protest was being "mischaracterised" by sections of the media to defame the university and intensify the persecution of its students. The union clarified that the vigil was against past violence suffered by the university community and the unjust incarceration of dissenting voices. They accused authorities of deflecting from the real issues of attacks on students and unjust incarcerations.
Meanwhile, the police are verifying the authenticity of video content from the protest and seeking legal opinion before proceeding with the FIR. The suspects will be called for questioning if the case is registered.
Past Case Compounds Troubles for Accused Students
Adding to their legal challenges, the JNUSU members named in the current complaint are already facing a separate police case. The university had earlier filed a complaint against them for allegedly damaging a facial-recognition-based entry gate at the university library during a protest last year. Students had opposed the system, calling it surveillance that infringed on privacy. An FIR was registered in that matter, and police have served inquiry notices to the students.
