In a significant move, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has introduced stringent regulations limiting protests and demonstrations on campus. The revised Chief Proctor Office (CPO) manual, approved in November 2023, extends the prohibition of protests to within 100 meters of academic buildings, including classrooms and labs.
Previously, protests were restricted within 100 meters of administrative blocks, as per a High Court order. Violating these new regulations may result in penalties ranging from a hefty Rs 20,000 fine to expulsion from the campus. Additionally, any activity considered “anti-national” or inciting intolerance towards religion, caste, or community is punishable with a Rs 10,000 fine, as stated in the university manual.
The JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) has criticized these rules, labeling them as an attempt to “stifle dissent” and curb campus activism. They are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the revised manual. The university administration, however, asserts that these regulations are essential for maintaining academic and administrative order and preventing disruptions. They argue that the designated protest areas within the campus are sufficient for expressing student concerns.
