The Delhi High Court on Monday directed JNU not to take coercive steps against the students with regard to any matter under its policy on mandatory attendance, till further orders.
Justice Siddharth Mridul issued the interim direction while hearing pleas on the imposition of mandatory attendance by the varsity.
“It is directed that no coercive step be taken against the students, in pursuance to the attendance requirements, now introduced on behalf of the JNU, during the pendency of the writ petition,” the court said.
“Needless to state that the above direction shall be subject to the outcome of the petition, and no equities shall be created in favour of the students, in the event, the court uphold the decision of the JNU,” the court clarified. It also said that the students would continue to take regular attendance till further orders.
The High Court has listed the case for further hearing on October 29.
JNUSU, which had opposed the varsity’s decision to make it mandatory to have a minimum 75%attendance to complete a course, has welcomed the interim order.
Through a series of circular, issued starting December last, JNU had threatened students with stopping of fellowships/scholarships, withdrawal of hostel seats and debarring them from appearing in exams, or registration for the next semester, if they failed to have at least 75% attendance.
The High Court order came on a petition filed by Kavita Singh, dean, School of Arts and Aesthetics, JNU, and others against the varsity’s attendance policy.
