Sat Jan 03 08:52:51 UTC 2026: Summary:
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) has accused the university administration of targeting student leaders with police inquiries following protests against the installation of facial recognition cameras and magnetic entry gates at the B R Ambedkar Central Library. The JNUSU alleges the surveillance measures infringe on student privacy and restrict movement, while the administration has neglected addressing issues like fund cuts, inadequate resources, and limited library hours. The union claims the administration reinstalled magnetic gates during JNUSU elections after initially removing them due to protests, violating a previous agreement to consult with students.
News Article:
JNU Student Leaders Face Police Inquiry Over Library Surveillance Protests
New Delhi – January 3, 2026: The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) is accusing the university administration of intimidation tactics after several current and former student leaders received inquiry notices from Delhi Police. The notices stem from protests against the installation of facial recognition cameras and magnetic entry gates at the B R Ambedkar Central Library.
According to a JNUSU statement, the police action follows an FIR filed by the university administration against JNUSU President Aditi Mishra, Vice President Gopika, General Secretary Sunil, Joint Secretary Danish, and former JNUSU President Nitish Kumar. These individuals have been summoned to the police station for questioning regarding the protests.
The JNUSU contends that the surveillance measures are a thinly veiled attempt to silence student voices and stifle dissent. The union argues that the administration has prioritized surveillance technology over addressing pressing issues such as inadequate library resources, including limited seating and book availability.
“For years, we have been demanding better facilities and longer hours at the library,” stated Aditi Mishra. “Instead, the administration has chosen to invest in intrusive surveillance technology that restricts our movement and violates our privacy.”
The JNUSU further alleges that the administration initially installed magnetic gates last August without student consultation. After large-scale protests, the gates were removed and the administration promised future decisions would be made by an independent committee with student representation. However, the union claims the administration reneged on this promise by reinstalling the gates during the JNUSU elections in November 2025, taking advantage of student preoccupation with the polls.
The JNUSU has condemned the police inquiries as a “dastardly attack” and is demanding the immediate withdrawal of all cases against the student leaders. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the JNUSU and the university administration regarding student rights and resource allocation within the university.
First Piper 