The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
Days after stir against sexual harassment, JNU students get notice for ‘blocking gates’
TWO DAYS after their protest against the alleged sexual harassment of a student near the campus, several students, including two office bearers of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), were sent notices Wednesday from the Chief Proctor’s office asking them to appear for a hearing for allegedly obstructing the North Gate (entrance) of the University on April 1 – the day of the protest.
The office bearers include JNUSU President Dhananjay and General Secretary Priyanshi Arya.
Notably, a woman student has begun an indefinite strike demanding that four students who allegedly hurled derogatory slogans at her in the early hours of March 31 at Ring Road be declared out of bounds from the campus and their registration be cancelled.
The notice said, “A complaint dated 2nd April 2024 from the Chief Security Office has been received by Chief Proctor’s office. In the complaint, it has been alleged that you have obstructed the North Gate (entrance) of the University from 1 April 2024 (5.25 pm) causing difficulties for the students, residents, staff, senior citizens, differently abled persons, school children, patients and so on.”
It further stated: “You are directed to appear for a hearing before Proctor on 4th April 2024 at 3 PM… to explain your position in this regard. You may also bring any evidence, which you wish to submit in support of your defence. Upon failing to present yourself on the date and time appointed for the 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 Indian Express reached out to the Chief Proctor, Sudhir Kumar, but received no response.
The notice by the university administration has drawn criticism from a few student bodies.
The Democratic Students' Federation, in its statement Thursday, said, “Instead of ensuring time-bound redressal of sexual harassment cases and taking actions to ensure a gender-just campus, the JNU administration is trying to target and intimidate survivors of sexual harassment and other representatives and activists...”
Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students' Association (BAPSA), which Priyanshi is associated with, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “JNUSU general secretary Priyanshi got the proctorial inquiry for standing up against the perpetrators. It is a shame that the Admin is shielding the perpetrators and sending notices to elected representatives of JNUSU.”