Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has formally requested Delhi Police register a First Information Report (FIR). The request targets students who allegedly raised “highly objectionable, provocative and inflammatory slogans” during a campus gathering on January 5 .
The incident occurred outside the Sabarmati hostel. Students had organized the event, titled “A Night of Resistance with Guerrilla Dhaba.” Its purpose was to mark the sixth anniversary of the 2020 campus violence .
JNU’s chief security officer stated in a letter to police that the gathering’s tone “changed significantly.” While initially commemorative, the event saw slogans that were “inconsistent with democratic dissent.” The university claims these actions were also in “contempt of Supreme Court observations” from related cases.
University officials asserted these slogans could “disturb public order, campus harmony, and the security environment of the campus.” The JNU letter described the slogans as “clearly deliberate and repeated.” This indicated “intentional misconduct rather than spontaneous expression.”
The administration has requested an FIR under relevant provisions of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This legal framework replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in July 2024 .
Commemoration of 2020 Campus Violence
The January 5 event commemorated a specific 2020 incident. On that date, a mob attacked students and teachers on campus. This violence unfolded during protests against a proposed hostel fee hike. The 2020 attacks left many injured and raised concerns about campus safety and student rights.
University Administration Takes Firm Action
JNU Registrar released a separate statement regarding the recent protest videos. The administration took “very serious cognizance” of these videos circulating on social media platforms. The statement unequivocally asserted that such acts violate the JNU Code of Conduct.
It further reflected “wilful disrespect for constitutional institutions and norms of civil and democratic discourse.” The university emphasized its commitment to maintaining peace and harmony. It called upon all campus stakeholders to cooperate in this effort.
JNU warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken as per university rules in case of any violations. The administration also explicitly instructed its security branch to cooperate fully with the Delhi Police investigation.
Previous Protests and Legal Challenges
JNU has faced similar controversies and legal challenges in the past. On January 9, 2016 , a significant dispute erupted on campus. Students were reportedly heard raising “anti-India slogans” during an event. This gathering commemorated the death anniversary of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.
The incident led to immediate legal action. Kanhaiya Kumar, then JNUSU President, faced sedition charges and was arrested. Students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya also faced similar charges and arrests. A chargesheet named 38 other individuals, but lack of sufficient evidence prevented further action against them.
The 2016 episode triggered widespread and months-long protests across the campus. It also ignited a national debate on free speech versus sedition. The university subsequently formed an internal committee to examine the entire matter. The Supreme Court recently rejected a bail plea filed by Umar Khalid, one of the accused in the prominent 2016 case.