"Rules are not new": JNU Vice Chancellor as university's Students' Discipline, Conduct Rule sparks controversy

New Delhi [India], December 14 : As Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has stirred controversy with its recent decision to ban protestors on campus, coupled with warnings of potential expulsion for students who defy these restrictions, Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit defended the move, citing existing rules and regulations.
In a statement, Vice Chancellor Pandit clarified, "There is a chief proctor's office in every university as per statutes and ordinances. JNU has had a chief proctor's office since 1969, and there have been rules. Students have been fined for any type of misbehavior or indiscipline, as defined by the ordinances and statutes of the university."
Pandit insisted that these rules are not new and have been in place for at least two years.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed surprise over the sudden attention to the issue, stating that the decision was passed in the executive council on November 24 and circulated to all members three weeks prior. She emphasized that the document is public and has been legally sound.
Addressing concerns about freedom of speech, Pandit highlighted that there have been no fines for students who protested since she assumed the role.
However, fines were imposed on issues like drinking on campus, possessing drugs, and misbehaving with female students. Pandit underscored the administration's responsibility to address misbehaviour during events like birthdays and fresher's parties, citing the potential impact on the university's reputation.
"This is a university that is supported by the central government. Our receipts are so low that this university cannot exist on the type of fees we collect. It is on the taxpayer's money and on the government that come to Delhi," VC stated.
As per the JNU Students' Discipline and Conduct Rule, students at the Jawaharlal Nehru University can face a fine of Rs 20,000 for resorting to violence, holding dharnas, and hunger strikes on the campus and a fine of up to Rs 10,000 for raising anti-national slogans and inciting intolerance towards religion, caste or community.
A Chief Proctor Office manual listed the "rules of discipline and proper conduct of students of Jawaharlal Nehru University".
The pamphlet mentioned that a student (repeat offender) would be expelled if he or she was awarded 5 (five) or more punishments during the entire duration of the study.
The JNU Students Union has condemned the new manual, saying it is aimed at stifling the vibrant campus culture that has defined the university for decades.
"Such excessive regulations are intended to discourage open discussions, dissent, and intellectual exploration, which are fundamental to the spirit of our university. According to the new manual, protests before any academic building can lead to rustication, eviction from the hostel and a fine of Rs 20,000. Moreover, a student who commits any act that the JNU Admin considers to be of moral turpitude can be fined up to Rs 10,000," the statement read.