The country’s prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University has once again come to the center of student politics and administrative conflict. The atmosphere on the campus has heated up after the decision to rusticate five students, including four top officials of the student union, for two semesters. The students have announced an indefinite strike from Wednesday (February 11) and the demand for withdrawal of the order from the administration has intensified.
The discussion continued till late night in the general body meeting held in the School of Social Sciences. The students present in large numbers collectively decided to boycott the class and go on strike.
Students say that the agitation will continue until the expulsion order is cancelled. They allege that the administration is trying to suppress the voice of the students, hence it became necessary to take this step.
Controversy started from face recognition gate
The whole matter was discussed on 21st November by Dr. B.R. It is connected to the face recognition based entrance installed in Ambedkar Central Library. Students had earlier also raised objections regarding this technique. The administration alleges that during the protest there was vandalism, chaos spread and educational activities were disrupted.
On the basis of these allegations, Student Union President Aditi Mishra, Vice President K. Gopika, General Secretary Sunil Yadav, Joint Secretary Danish Ali and former President Nitish Kumar were rusticated till the winter and monsoon semester 2026.
Fine and ban on campus entry
Expelled students have been barred from entering the campus. Besides, a fine of Rs 20-20 thousand has also been imposed. Financial penalty of up to Rs 19 thousand has been imposed on some other students.
The student union says that this action is an attempt to weaken student politics and the tenure of the officials who have been removed has also been deliberately affected.
Protest reached streets from classroom
The protest intensified on the campus on Wednesday. Students boycotted classes and took out a march against the administration. During the demonstration, symbolic protest was expressed by burning copies of the Chief Proctor Manual.
The agitators are demanding rustication, out of bounds order, fine and withdrawal of the CPO manual. Sloganeering and protest continues in the campus.
At present the academic activities in the university are affected. Student leaders say that the strike will continue until their demands are met. There has been no sign of leniency from the administration yet. In such a situation the conflict may drag on. In the coming days, it will be important to see whether the talks lead to a solution or the dispute deepens.