JNU cancels seminars featuring Palestinian, Lebanese, Iranian envoys
New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has cancelled three seminars, originally scheduled to be addressed by the ambassadors of Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon, on ongoing West Asian conflicts. University sources cited "unavoidable circumstances" for the cancellation, but declined to provide further details.
The seminars, part of JNU's Centre for West Asian Studies series, were to include separate addresses by Iranian Ambassador Dr. Iraj Elahi, Palestinian Ambassador Adnan Abu Al-Haija, and Lebanese Ambassador Dr. Rabie Narsh. An email from seminar coordinator Sima Baidya informed students of the cancellations hours before the first seminar with Dr. Elahi was set to begin.
According to sources at the Iranian and Lebanese embassies, the decision came from the university, and they were unaware of specific reasons. The Palestinian Embassy did not respond to inquiries.
University insiders suggested that concerns over potential campus protests on these sensitive topics influenced the cancellations. Senior faculty members at JNU’s School of International Studies (SIS) reportedly voiced apprehensions regarding the events’ impact amid the current geopolitical climate. Dean Amitabh Mattoo reinforced the need for diplomatic protocol and coordination with the university administration before inviting high-level foreign officials to public events.
Chairperson Sameena Hameed of the Centre for West Asian Studies clarified that the Palestinian and Lebanese seminars were not officially scheduled by the Centre. She added that the Iranian event was postponed due to last-minute logistical challenges.
Despite the cancellations, Hameed reassured that JNU remains committed to hosting ambassadors from these regions in the future for academic discussions on pressing global issues.
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SC declines to order status quo on illegal demolition of Muslim places of worship in Gujarat
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday declined to order a status quo on alleged illegal demolition of Muslim places of worship and other structures at Gir Somnath in Gujarat.
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan was initially inclined to order the status quo.
However, as the hearing progressed, the bench said no such order was needed at this stage.
At the outset, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for a Muslim party, said the properties were on the Waqf land and the state government be directed not to create any third party rights.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Gujarat government, said there was nothing in the name of the petitioner Auliya-E-Deen Committee and it is a government land.
The top court was hearing a contempt petition against Gujarat authorities for allegedly illegally demolishing residential and religious structures in the state despite an interim stay and without its prior nod.
