Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students protested on Monday, allegedly raising objectionable slogans targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The protest followed the Supreme Court’s denial of bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Delhi Police has launched a probe, and JNU initiated an internal inquiry into the incident.
JNU officials confirmed an FIR registration. The university stated it would not tolerate ‘unlawful conduct or anti-national activity.’ Disciplinary actions, including immediate suspension, expulsion, and permanent debarment, await students found responsible. The university emphasized that freedom of speech does not cover violence or anti-national acts.
University Action and Allegations
The JNU administration filed a complaint with the Vasant Kunj (North) Station House Officer (SHO). The complaint cited ‘highly objectionable, provocative and inflammatory’ slogans raised at the event. These slogans, according to JNU, showed ‘wilful disrespect for constitutional institutions and established norms of civil and democratic discourse.’
A purported video circulating online showed students allegedly raising slogans against the prime minister and home minister. The JNU Security Department noted the program initially appeared to commemorate the January 5, 2020 campus violence, where masked individuals attacked students and teachers. The nature of the event, however, shifted after the judicial verdict on Khalid and Imam’s bail pleas, leading to the alleged slogan-raising.
The university’s registrar issued a statement stressing the ‘clear distinction between dissent and abuse and hate speech.’ It added that such slogans are ‘wholly inconsistent with democratic dissent’ and violate the JNU Code of Conduct. The statement warned that these slogans possess ‘the potential to seriously disturb public order, campus harmony and the safety and security environment of the university and the nation.’
JNUSU President’s Defense
Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) President Aditi Mishra acknowledged the protest. She told PTI that students annually hold a protest condemning the January 5, 2020 campus violence. Mishra claimed all slogans raised were ‘ideological’ and ‘did not attack anyone personally.’ The university, however, identified several students, including Mishra, alleging ‘deliberate’ and ‘repeated’ slogans.
The administration claimed these slogans had ‘the potential to seriously disrupt public order, campus harmony and security.’ It further stated the slogans amounted to contempt of the Supreme Court and violated the JNU Code of Conduct.
Political Condemnation
BJP leaders, including Union and Delhi ministers, condemned the incident. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the slogans, specifically mentioning ‘Modi-Shah Ki Kabar Khudegi ??’ He stated, ‘INDIA will be free from such sick people!’ and asserted that the prime minister is openly abused while protesters demand freedom.
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra stated, ‘Snakes are being crushed and the snakelets are screaming.’ He accused those chanting slogans in support of ‘criminals, Naxalites, and terrorists’ of frustration. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari described the slogans as reflecting an ‘Urban Naxal mindset’ supported by the opposition.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal suggested the ‘INDIA bloc’ faces consequences for ‘personal attacks’ against the Prime Minister. Giriraj Singh, another Union Minister, called JNU a ‘camp office’ for the ‘tukde tukde gang.’ He claimed the crimes of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam were ‘far more serious than Azmal Kasab,’ the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack convict.
Police Investigation
A senior Delhi Police officer confirmed the launch of a probe following the JNU complaint. Investigators will examine CCTV footage and available videos of the event. The incident report mentioned the program was organized around 10 PM by students linked to the JNUSU.
Context of Annual Protest
Students annually observe January 5 to mark the 2020 campus violence. During that incident, at least 28 people, including then JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh, sustained injuries. Chaos prevailed on campus for nearly two hours during the attack by masked individuals.