A research scholar who is about to submit his thesis has been summoned for questioning by the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration over his participation in a four-year-old protest within a prohibited area on the campus.
Students viewed the action of the university, which raked up the issue just a month before N. Sai Balaji is supposed to submit his PhD thesis, as vindictive.
In November 2019, students of JNU had held a protest in front of the administrative block to oppose the decision to hike fees. Since 2017, JNU has enforced a policy of disallowing any form of protest within a 100-metre radius of the administrative block.
A letter has been issued to Balaji asking him to appear before the proctor on November 9. The letter mentions that JNU had received a complaint on November 6, 2019, about the violation of its rules through the conduct of a protest the previous day. The letter asked Balaji to submit evidence to defend his case.
“Upon failing to present yourself on the date and time appointed for hearing, it shall be presumed that you have nothing to say in this matter and that you agree with the complaint. In such circumstances, the matter will be decided in your absence,” the letter said.
Balaji was not available for comments.
Two students of the university questioned the university's action.
“When the university received the complaint on November 6, 2019, it should have taken the same action immediately. But it waited for the student to complete his research and then revive the case. It is only intended at harassing the student by preventing him from submitting the thesis,” a student said.
He said that a student needs to obtain no-objection certificates from various sections before submitting the thesis.
Another student said nearly 200 members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had last week held a meeting within the 100-metre radius of the administrative block where they sang songs to ask Hindus to wake up.
“We would like to understand how the RSS members held a meeting in front of the administrative block and if the administration will initiate actions against them,” said the student.
An email has been sent to JNU vice-chancellor Shantishree Pandit for her comments against the allegations of victimisation of the student and inaction against the RSS. Her response is awaited.
Last updated on 02 Nov 2023
