New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University students who are caught demonstrating or using violence near an academic or administrative facility, or within a 100-meter radius of such a building, would be fined Rs 20,000.
The directive is contained in a chief proctor office handbook that was approved by the university's Executive Council on November 24 and contained the "rules of discipline and proper conduct of students of Jawaharlal Nehru University."
According to the publication, students who chants "anti-national" slogans and encourage hatred against religion, caste, or community might potentially be fined up to Rs 10,000, the Scroll reported.
The handbook lists 28 different categories of misconduct, including erecting barricades, engaging in gaming, occupying dorm rooms without permission, using foul or abusive language, and forging documents.
Additionally, students who print, distribute, or paste posters that contain disparaging statements about religion, community, caste, or nationalism—or engage in any other activity that fosters hatred towards any of these groups—may be fined Rs 10,000.
The handbook states that students who host disc jockey events, farewell parties, or freshmen welcome parties on campus without permission risk fines of up to Rs 6,000 or community service requirements.
According to the agreement, a student would be expelled if they received five or more punishments over the course of their studies.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union has said the development is aimed at “stifling the vibrant campus culture that has defined JNU for decades”.
“Such excessive regulations are intended to discourage open discussions, dissent, and intellectual exploration, which are fundamental to the spirit of our university,” the students’ union said.
The body of students urged that the new handbook be revoked by the university administration right away.
“The JNU chief proctor manual lacks clarity on several crucial aspects, leaving room for misinterpretation and arbitrary implementation,” it said. “Such ambiguous rules can lead to unfair and discriminatory practices, jeopardizing the rights of individual students.”