Delhi Police detained Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) President Aditi Mishra and other student leaders on February 26, 2026 . The detentions occurred at the JNU campus gate during a protest against alleged caste discrimination and administrative policies.
JNUSU Protest Details
The JNUSU organized the demonstration as part of a broader anti-casteism campaign. Students aimed to march to the Ministry of Education to present their demands. However, police and rapid action force personnel were stationed at the gates before the march began. Barricades and security checks prevented students from leaving the campus.
Student Leaders Detained
JNUSU President Aditi Mishra stated in a video message that police dragged protesters onto a bus. She said the union intended to march to the Ministry of Education. Their demands included the enactment of the Rohith Act and the resignation of JNU’s vice-chancellor. They also sought accountability for university funds.
Danish, JNUSU Joint Secretary, was also detained. Police have not released official numbers of those detained.
Key JNUSU Demands
The JNUSU announced a “long march” to the Ministry of Education with four primary objectives:
- Enact the Rohith Act.
- Demand the resignation of JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit.
- Oppose university funding cuts.
- Call for the government to restore University Grants Commission (UGC) equity regulations.
The UGC regulations, introduced in January, were later stayed by the Supreme Court. This action followed protests from some groups who considered the regulations vague and potentially open to misuse.
Reasons for VC Resignation Call
The JNUSU’s demand for the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation stems from recent statements she made. The union described these statements as casteist and insensitive to marginalized communities. Concerns were raised after comments regarding pride in association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
The VC also reportedly questioned the importance of UGC regulations. She suggested that marginalized groups should avoid portraying themselves as victims. A former JNUSU President filed a complaint with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes regarding these remarks.