JNU bans protest near academic complex, reiterates zero tolerance against violence

NEW DELHI: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has appealed to the students to maintain discipline while participating in any kind of gathering and restricted mass gatherings and protest within a 100-metre periphery of the administrative block of the university. The circular was issued as per the high court direction and in view of the beginning of new semester.

“Attention is invited by all the stakeholders of the University to the Hon'ble High Court direction which restrain anyone from holding any demonstration/ dharna/mass gathering within a 100-metre periphery of the administrative block of the University,” the JNU circular read.

Requesting all to cooperate with the rules, the university urged all to inform the security branch immediately if they find anyone indulging in unauthorized activities.

“The administration firmly reiterates its commitment to zero tolerance towards any form of violence or indiscipline on campus and appeals to all stakeholders of the campus to desist from all such activities,” it added.

In November 2023, the JNU Executive Council approved to impose a Rs 20,000 fine if students are found holding protest, dharna, or strike in 100 metres radius of the administrative complex. The printing, circulating or pasting of posters carrying derogatory religious, communal, casteist or “anti-national remarks” may attract a penalty of Rs 10,000, according to the rule.

Earlier this week, the university announced plans to hold weekend classes and have a shorter winter break to compensate for the academic loss caused by delay in CUET UG results and disruption in the classes, the PTI reported. The move was opposed by the JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) and demanded compensatory earned leave for work done by them during COVID-19 pandemic and foregoing vacations.