New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with a late-night event held on campus on Monday, during which some students allegedly raised controversial and provocative slogans targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The development follows the circulation of purported videos on social media, prompting the university administration to initiate an internal inquiry and approach the Delhi Police for legal action.
Event linked to remembrance of 2020 violence
According to the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU), the programme was organised near Sabarmati Hostel as a remembrance call to mark six years since the January 5, 2020 violence on campus, when masked assailants had attacked students and teachers, leaving several injured. The event was reportedly titled “A Night of Resistance with Guerrilla Dhaba” and began around 10 pm.
JNUSU leaders confirmed that the gathering was intended to commemorate the anniversary of the 2020 incident but declined to comment on the slogans raised during the programme. “As far as the slogans are concerned, I cannot comment on this at the moment,” JNUSU General Secretary Sunil Yadav said.
Administration calls slogans provocative and inflammatory
The university administration, however, took strong exception to the alleged sloganeering. In a letter written by JNU’s Security Department to the Vasant Kunj (North) Police, the varsity stated that while the gathering initially appeared to be a peaceful commemoration, the “nature and tone of the programme changed significantly” later in the evening.
The letter noted that around 30 to 35 students were present at the site and claimed that following a judicial verdict related to the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, some participants began raising “highly objectionable, provocative and inflammatory slogans”.
The administration described the slogans as a “direct contempt of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India”, alleging that they were “clearly audible, deliberate and repeated”, and reflected “intentional and conscious misconduct rather than any spontaneous or inadvertent expression”.
FIR sought under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The varsity has formally requested the Delhi Police to lodge an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Officials said that an inquiry is currently at a preliminary stage and that more names could be added as the investigation progresses.
“The names we have identified so far are only the preliminary ones and more will be added subject to inquiry,” an official from the JNU administration said. The letter reportedly names several students, including four members of the JNUSU, who were allegedly identified during the programme.
University officials also stated that security personnel were present at the venue throughout the event and closely monitored the situation.
Registrar issues strong statement
JNU Registrar Ravikesh, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the university has taken “serious cognisance” of the videos circulating online. He asserted that raising such slogans violates the JNU Code of Conduct and goes against the principles of democratic dissent.
“Raising of such slogans is wholly inconsistent with democratic dissent, violates the JNU Code of Conduct, and has the potential to seriously disturb public order, campus harmony, and the safety and security environment of the university and the nation,” the statement read.
The registrar further said that such actions reflect “wilful disrespect for constitutional institutions and established norms of civil and democratic discourse”. He urged all stakeholders to understand the distinction between dissent, abuse and hate speech, warning that strict action would be taken against those indulging in activities that could disrupt peace on campus.
Political reactions and counter-allegations
The incident has also triggered political reactions within the campus. Former JNUSU joint secretary and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) leader Vaibhav Meena accused the current student union leadership of protesting against constitutional institutions.
In a video statement, Meena alleged that the protest was “completely shameful” and claimed that slogans were raised against the Indian state, judiciary and the Supreme Court. He demanded strict action against those responsible, stating that such activities tarnish the image of the university.
Debate on dissent and campus politics
The episode has once again brought into focus the long-standing debate around dissent, freedom of expression and political activism at JNU, a campus known for its vibrant and often polarised student politics. While student groups argue that remembrance events and protests are part of democratic expression, the administration has repeatedly stressed the need to maintain campus harmony and abide by institutional rules.
Legal experts note that while dissent is constitutionally protected, it must remain within the boundaries of law and not incite hatred or disrupt public order. The outcome of the police inquiry and any subsequent legal proceedings will likely shape how such events are regulated on university campuses in the future.
Conclusion
As investigations continue, JNU has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace, safety and academic integrity on campus. The university’s move to seek an FIR underscores its firm stance against activities it views as provocative and disruptive. With student groups and authorities holding differing views on the incident, the coming days are expected to see further debate over the limits of dissent and responsibility within educational institutions.