Tue Feb 03 19:54:07 UTC 2026: ### Headline: JNU Teachers Condemn Rustication of Student Leaders, Demand VC’s Removal

The Story:

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) has strongly denounced the university administration’s decision to rusticate five students, including the four office-bearers of the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU). The rustication orders, spanning two semesters, were issued on Monday, February 3, 2026, in response to alleged “vandalism” during a protest last year against the installation of a biometric entry system at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Central Library. The JNUTA views the administration’s actions as an attack on the democratic rights of the student body and has demanded the immediate reinstatement of the students.

The teachers’ association further reiterated its previous call for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, claiming that the administration’s actions represent institutional destruction from within. Despite repeated attempts, university officials and the Vice-Chancellor have remained silent regarding the rustication orders and the future of the affected students.

Key Points:

  • Five JNU students, including four JNUSU office-bearers, were rusticated for two semesters on February 3, 2026.
  • The rustication is related to alleged “vandalism” during a protest against biometric entry at the library in 2025.
  • The JNUSU office-bearers rusticated include president Aditi Mishra, vice-president Gopika Babu, general secretary Sunil Yadav, and joint secretary Danish Ali, along with former JNUSU president Nitish Kumar.
  • The JNUTA has condemned the rustication as an “assault on the collective democratic rights” of the student body.
  • The JNUTA has reiterated its demand for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit.

Key Takeaways:

  • The JNU administration’s decision to rusticate student leaders has escalated tensions within the university.
  • The JNUTA is framing the issue as a matter of democratic rights and institutional integrity.
  • The lack of communication from university officials and the Vice-Chancellor is fueling further controversy.
  • This event highlights the ongoing conflict between the administration and student/faculty bodies at JNU.

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