In a move that has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from the student body, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has introduced a comprehensive set of disciplinary rules, aimed at curbing various forms of campus protests and activities deemed as "misconduct." The new regulations, officially titled the JNU Students' Discipline and Conduct Rule, were approved by the university's highest decision-making body on November 24.

According to the Chief Proctor Office manual, students engaging in violent acts, participating in dharnas (sit-in protests), hunger strikes, or raising anti-national slogans may now face fines. Specifically, a hefty fine of ₹20,000 is stipulated for those resorting to violence, holding dharnas, or hunger strikes on campus. Additionally, raising anti-national slogans or inciting intolerance towards religion, caste, or community carries a fine of up to ₹10,000.

The Chief Proctor Office manual, which outlines the "rules of discipline and proper conduct of students," emphasizes the need to review existing disciplinary norms. It highlights a perceived lack of substantially approved rules by the statutory body, the Executive Council, governing the conduct and discipline of JNU students.

The manual introduces a tiered approach to penalties, with repeat offenders facing expulsion if they accumulate five or more punishments during their entire course of study. The list of 28 specified types of misconduct includes activities such as blockage, gambling, unauthorized occupation of hostel rooms, use of abusive language, and forgery.

The regulations also target various forms of protest, imposing fines of up to ₹20,000 for actions like hunger strikes, dharnas, or any other form of protest that disrupts the normal functioning of academic and administrative complexes or hinders the movement of university members.

Notably, fines of up to ₹6,000 may be levied on students for holding events without prior permission. Alternatively, students may be required to undertake JNU Community Service as a penalty. Furthermore, the manual addresses issues related to free expression by penalizing the printing, circulating, or pasting of posters or pamphlets containing derogatory remarks targeting religion, caste, or nationality. Students found guilty of such actions may face fines of up to ₹10,000.

The controversial rules have triggered strong opposition from the JNU Students Union (JNUSU). In a statement, the union condemned the new regulations, asserting that they are designed to stifle the vibrant campus culture that has characterized the university for decades. The JNUSU argues that the excessive regulations aim to discourage open discussions, dissent, and intellectual exploration—fundamental aspects of the university's spirit.

According to the JNUSU statement, the manual threatens severe consequences for protests near academic buildings, including rustication, eviction from hostels, and fines of ₹20,000. Additionally, the rules empower the JNU administration to impose fines of up to ₹10,000 on students deemed to have committed acts of moral turpitude.

As the campus grapples with these new disciplinary measures, students and activists fear that the regulations may infringe upon their right to dissent and engage in open dialogue, aspects that have long been integral to the identity of JNU. The controversy surrounding the JNU Students' Discipline and Conduct Rule is likely to fuel debates on the balance between maintaining order on campus and preserving the university's legacy of intellectual freedom and activism.

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