JNU withdraws new rules prohibiting protests, strikes; VC says 'not aware of circular'

NEW DELHII: The Jawaharlal Nehru University has withdrawn the rules that stipulated students can face a fine of Rs 50,000 for physical violence, abuse and holding dharna on campus, its vice-chancellor said on Thursday.

As per the 10-page document, 'Rules of Discipline and proper conduct of students of JNU' released by the university today, there would be punishments for acts like protests and forgery, and procedures for proctorial enquiry and recording a statement. The punishment ranged from a fine of Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000 or rustication and cancellation of admission.

Notification from the office of the Chief Proctor, dated 2nd March 2023. pic.twitter.com/GuWJu9PPWU

— Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) (@JNU_official_50) March 2, 2023

Also Read | New JNU Rules: Rs 20,000 fine for dharna, admission cancellation for violence

The now-withdrawn rules received massive backlash from the students as they rejected the new JNU 'authoritarian' and 'draconian' rules. Such rules applied to students of the university, including part-time students whether admitted before the commencement of these rules or after, the document stated.

"I was not aware of such circular. I am in Hubli for some international conference. The chief proctor did not consult me before releasing the document. I was not aware that such document is being drafted. I got to know about the document through newspapers. That is why, I have withdrawn it," JNU, vice chancellor, Santishree D Pandit told PTI.

In recent news, JNU acts of violence within the campus was when a few a JNU students were attacked during a protest demanding justice for IIT Bombay student, Darshan Solanki, who died by suicide. “The JNU Administration should ensure that the repeated offenders and culprits who have been identified should be immediately punished,” the students’ body added back then.

(Inputs from PTI)