Fourteen Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students, including the student union president, were released from custody on Sunday following a protest last week. A Delhi court ordered their immediate release.
Students Released After Protest Detentions
The students were arrested during a protest march on February 26 . They were detained after attempting to march towards the Ministry of Education.
Those released include JNUSU president Aditi Mishra, vice-president Gopika K Babu, joint secretary Danish Ali, former JNUSU president Nitish Kumar, and AISA All India president Neha.
Background of the Protest
The protest march was organized by the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU). Students gathered at the Sabarmati T-Point on campus.
The march aimed to protest remarks made by JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. It also addressed the rustication of student union office-bearers and the proposed Rohith Vemula Act.
Confrontation and Detentions
Police blocked the protesters at the university gates. A physical confrontation ensued, according to police reports. Delhi Police stated that several officers were injured.
An FIR was lodged following the incident. A total of 51 students were initially detained.
Court’s Decision and Student Group Reaction
A Delhi court granted bail to the protesters on February 27. The court acknowledged the seriousness of assaulting police personnel. However, it also considered the students’ careers.
The All India Students’ Association (AISA) called the release a victory. They stated that protests would continue for demands such as equity safeguards in higher education.