Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) had recently released a set of disciplinary rules called the “Rules of Discipline and Proper Conduct of Students of JNU”, which had stirred up a controversy among the students and faculty members. The 10-page document laid out punishments for various acts, including protests, forgery, physical violence, and holding dharnas on campus, and the procedures for proctorial enquiry and recording a statement. The punishment for such acts ranged from a fine of Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000 or rustication and cancellation of admission.
One of the most contentious rules was the one that stipulated students could face a fine of Rs 50,000 for physical violence, abuse, and manhandling towards another student, staff, or faculty members. This rule was met with severe criticism from the students and faculty members who saw it as a violation of their rights.
The JNU Students’ Union called for a meeting of all student organizations on Thursday to discuss the new rules and condemned them as “draconian”. The students and teachers of the university had taken to social media to voice their displeasure with the rules.
The JNU Vice-Chancellor, Santishree D Pandit, was unaware of the circular and was not consulted before the document was released. She was in Hubli for an international conference when the circular was released, and only became aware of it through the newspapers. Upon learning of the controversy and backlash, she decided to withdraw the document.
The decision to withdraw the document was met with relief and appreciation from the students and faculty members. The students’ union thanked the Vice-Chancellor for listening to their grievances and taking action to address their concerns.
The issue of disciplinary rules and student conduct has been a contentious one in JNU for a long time. The university has been known for its history of protests and activism, and students often take to the streets to express their dissent. However, there have been incidents of violence and abuse in the past, which have led to calls for stricter disciplinary action.
The controversy surrounding the new disciplinary rules highlights the tension between freedom of expression and the need to maintain discipline on campus. While the students have the right to express their opinions and protest peacefully, there is a need to ensure that their actions do not lead to violence and disruption.
The JNU administration must strike a balance between protecting the rights of the students and maintaining discipline on campus. The withdrawal of the circular is a step in the right direction, but there is still a need for a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to student conduct and discipline.
The withdrawal of the new disciplinary rules is a welcome step that shows that the JNU administration is willing to listen to the concerns of the students and faculty members. However, there is still a long way to go in addressing the complex issue of student conduct and discipline on campus. It is essential to find a balance between freedom of expression and maintaining discipline on campus, and to develop a comprehensive approach that takes into account the concerns and rights of all stakeholders.
