New Delhi – The All India Students’ Association (AISA) JNU wing launched a public appeal Tuesday, seeking **Rs 59,000** through crowdfunding. These funds will cover university fines levied on student activists. They will also support the student body’s legal registration. AISA leaders assert the fines punish “peaceful protests” and represent an effort to suppress student dissent on campus.
University Penalties Detailed
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) issued notices in **October last year**, imposing fines and suspensions on several students. These penalties followed student demonstrations concerning campus issues. The total sum sought by AISA directly addresses these cumulative financial burdens.
| Student Name | Penalty Type | Amount Fined | Additional Penalty | Protest Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitish Kumar (Former JNUSU President) | Monetary | Rs 29,000 (Rs 10,000 + Rs 19,000) | None | Eviction Notices; Technology & Library |
| Ranvijay (Former AISA JNU President) | Monetary | Rs 10,000 | None | Eviction Notices |
| Manikant (AISA Student-Activist) | Monetary & Suspension | Rs 15,000 | Semester Suspension | Technology & Library |
| Mehboob (AISA Student-Activist) | Monetary | Rs 5,000 | None | Technology & Library |
Reasons for Student Protests
The first set of fines targeted protests against eviction notices served to PhD scholars. These notices sparked student concern over academic continuity and housing. The demonstrations intensified into a **16-day hunger strike**. Following the strike, the JNU administration agreed to a compromise. Scholars received permission to retain hostel accommodation until their thesis submission.
Separate penalties were imposed following demonstrations addressing other campus concerns. Students protested the introduction of facial recognition technology on campus. They also demanded improvements to basic infrastructure within the Central Library. These actions form the basis for the fines levied on Manikant, Mehboob, and a portion of Nitish Kumar’s total penalties.
Allegations of Suppressing Dissent
Student groups, including AISA, allege the JNU administration is using financial penalties and suspensions to “criminalise dissent.” Activists maintain the fined protests were peaceful. They state no acts of violence or property damage occurred. The protests specifically opposed what students describe as discriminatory university policies.
Nitish Kumar commented on the university’s actions. He stated, “These monetary fines are intended to stifle dissent.” Kumar added, “These measures will not deter us from raising our voice against injustice.”
University’s Position
JNU has not publicly addressed the specific charge of “criminalising protest.” The university’s notices imposing the fines do not contain a public response to these allegations from student groups.
AISA’s Call for Support
The AISA JNU wing has declared its intent to continue resisting such administrative actions. They released a signed statement urging supporters to contribute to the fundraising effort. The collected **Rs 59,000** will directly pay the outstanding student fines. It will also facilitate the association’s pursuit of official legal registration.