Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has suspended three student representatives from attending all statutory body and committee meetings for their alleged “unruly behaviour and misconduct” during the Academic Council meeting, which was held on June 16. The action was taken after the Registrar submitted a complaint to the administration.
JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) president Mohit Kumar Pandey, general-secretary Satarupa Chakraborty and joint secretary Tabrez Hasan were suspended for video recording the meeting and allegedly posting parts of it on social media.
“Despite repeated requests by the chairman not to record, these students continued to record the proceedings of the meeting. Violations of norms and rules by these students left an appalling impression on the minds of several external members of the Academic Council from around the country,” JNU Registrar Pramod Kumar said in a press note.
Action condemned
Condemning the suspension saying their voices were being muzzled by the administration, the JNUSU claimed the V-C passed agendas without listening to them or having a discussion.
On why the meeting was recorded and put on social media, Ms. Chakraborty said they had no option as the V-C had allegedly directed some teachers to disrupt the meeting in order to hide the way the orders were being passed.
JNU Teachers’ Association president Ayesha Kidwai said the action was “completely unprecedented in the history of JNU”.
