Former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) president Dhananjay filed a complaint with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Wednesday. The complaint targets JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree D. Pandit. Dhananjay alleges Pandit’s recent public remarks promote “enmity, hatred and ill-will” against Dalits. He is a PhD scholar in JNU’s School of Arts and Aesthetics.
The remarks were made during a podcast aired on February 16. The podcast featured on The Sunday Guardian’s YouTube channel. It discussed University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations promoting equity in higher education.
VC’s Remarks Allege ‘Permanent Victimhood’
According to the complaint, Vice-Chancellor Pandit stated in the podcast. She spoke about “permanent victimhood.” She said people “cannot progress by being permanently a victim or playing the victim card.” Pandit compared this to the experience of Black communities. She claimed a similar approach is applied to Dalits. She added that labeling one group a “permanent victim” and another a “permanent oppressor” creates “manufacturing realities.” She described this as “more like a drug.” It offers temporary satisfaction but “doesn’t work.”
Dhananjay, elected in March 2024, is the first Dalit student to hold the JNUSU president position since the 1990s.
Complaint Cites Legal Provisions
Dhananjay argues Pandit’s remarks “prima facie promote feelings of hatred and ill-will” against Dalits and other marginalized communities. He cites Section 3(1)(u) of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The complaint also references Sections 196 and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. These sections address offenses related to speech and conduct.
The complaint asserts that remarks by a public authority holding a constitutional office have a “serious detrimental impact.” They undermine constitutional principles. Dhananjay alleges that after the podcast, “incidents of harassment” were reported against Dalit and marginalized students. He stated the “general atmosphere against the students and people belonging from the Dalit and marginalised communities has become hostile.”
The complaint notes courts consistently emphasize caution in public statements by authorities. It claims the VC failed to meet these standards. Dhananjay added that the VC has a duty to ensure a safe campus environment. He stated the VC has not issued an apology. This, he argued, suggests the statement was premeditated.
Protests Erupt Following Podcast
The VC’s remarks sparked protests at JNU. The JNUSU and other student organizations demanded an apology. They also called for the VC’s resignation. These protests led to a scuffle with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Pandit has stated she is “proud” of her association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
In his plea to the NCSC, Dhananjay seeks an inquiry. He also requests action under relevant legal provisions. Disciplinary steps against the VC are also requested. This includes potential removal from her position.