For over a month, student protests have erupted at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) concerning allegations of corruption within the administration and remarks made by Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, which many labeled as deeply casteist. Her comments regarding “Dalits and Blacks being drugged with victimhood” sparked intense outrage and debate about the accountability of the university’s leadership. A coalition of School Faculty Committees, student organizations, and the wider student body united under the leadership of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) to demand changes.

Escalation to Strikes and Police Action

Initially starting as a strike, the protests evolved into lockdowns across various schools within the university. Students engaged in collective actions through resolutions made at School General Body Meetings. In response to the mounting tensions, the administration’s approach included repression, with several students facing First Information Reports (FIRs). This included multiple FIRs against Office Bearers of the Union, who were acting upon the democratic decisions endorsed by their peers.

March to the Ministry of Education

The situation intensified when students marched to the Ministry of Education to advocate for adherence to University Grants Commission regulations, increased funding for JNU, and the Vice Chancellor’s resignation due to her controversial remarks. This protest led to the detention of over 50 students, with 14 arrested and subsequently held in Tihar Jail for three days. During this tumultuous period, the Vice Chancellor did not release any statements regarding the police’s actions against her own students. This lack of response, coupled with the aggressive police response, highlighted the apparent link between the university administration and law enforcement.

Referendum Reflects Student Sentiment

To gauge the student body’s opinion democratically, the JNUSU organized a referendum on March 10, 2023. Students were asked whether the Vice Chancellor should remain in her position given the circumstances. The results were significant, with 2,409 students voting; 2,181 students, representing 90.54%, voted against her continuing in office, while 207 students, or 8.59%, supported her continuation. Additionally, 21 votes were deemed invalid. This outcome signifies a clear rejection of the Vice Chancellor’s leadership among the student populace.

Public Hearing Scheduled and Next Steps

In light of the referendum results, the JNUSU announced a public hearing involving retired judges, legal experts, academics, and activists set for the following week. During this hearing, a chargesheet detailing allegations of corruption, nepotism, casteism, infringement of reservation policies, and the undemocratic functioning of JNU will be presented. JNUSU reiterated its demand for the immediate resignation of Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and urged the Ministry of Education to acknowledge the student body’s call for accountability and justice.

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