JNU rusticates five PhD scholars for vandalising facial recognition gates
New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration has rusticated five PhD scholars for two academic semesters due to their demonstrations against the installation of facial recognition technology gates at the Dr. B R Ambedkar Central Library. These students include all current JNUSU office bearers and the union's former president.
Proctorial orders issued on February 2 declared JNUSU president Aditi Mishra, vice-president Gopika Babu, general secretary Sunil Yadav, joint secretary Danish Ali, and former JNUSU president Nitish Kumar “out of bounds” from the campus with immediate effect, as reported by Maktoob Media. The order bars them from entering academic spaces, hostels, libraries and other university facilities. Each of the five students have also been fined ₹20,000, payable within 10 days. The administration has also warned other students against providing them shelter on campus which would result in disciplinary action.
The students were rusticated following a disagreement over the installation of facial recognition technology at the central library. Students had protested against the installation in August 2024 and said the move questions the students right to privacy and consultation. They questioned the ₹20 lakh spent on monitoring infrastructure, in contrast to the library's inadequate seats and damaged furniture.
After continous protests, the gates were removed and students were assured that any future decision would be taken by an independent committee with student representation. Without students' consultation, the facial recognition gates were reinstalled during the JNUSU election period in November 2025. The students questioned the move accusing the administration of breaking its earlier promises.
After failing to reach an agreement with the acting chief librarian, student leaders removed the gates on November 21, 2025, disassembling equipment while shouting slogans calling it a form of protest against an imposed and intrusive system. The administration called the act as vandalism and destruction of public property.
Apart from the five students who were rusticated, proctorial inquiries were initiated against others, and at least seven students were fined ₹19,000 each.
In a statement, the JNUSU termed the action a targeted crackdown on elected student representatives and said the rustication orders undermines campus democracy, arguing that disciplinary rules cannot be used to curb the collective voice of students.
Criticising the administration’s decision, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association called it an attack on democratic rights within the university. In a statement issued on February 3, the association said the punitive action against student leaders was part of a broader pattern of suppressing protest and dissent.
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Lingayat legislators’ meet not show of strength: Minister M B Patil
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Thursday said the recent meeting of the Lingayat Congress legislators was not a show of strength, but it was for the welfare of the community.
According to him, the Aland MLA B R Patil had mooted the proposal, which Ramdurg MLA Ashok Pattan endorsed and convened a meeting of the Lingayat legislators a few days ago.
M B Patil said there were no discussions on matters that create confusion, such as who should become minister and who should be the chief minister.
“A meeting of Lingayat MLAs from the Congress was held four days ago. It was not a power display. Ashok Patil and B R Patil convened the meeting, and discussions were held only on community welfare,” the Commerce and Industries Minister told reporters here.
He said such meetings were routine and held by legislators from various communities.
“But projecting our meeting as a Lingayat power show is not correct,” Patil said.
“We are the biggest chunk. Our striking rate is the highest,” he pointed out.
Highlighting the community’s political contribution, he said, “In 1989, with Lingayat support, the Congress won 178 seats and created history. Our party (Congress) gave ticket to 56 Lingayat leaders in the 2023 Assembly election, out of which 36 had won.”
“Seeking adequate representation in the government is not wrong, but we will not take away another community’s share,” he added.
Lingayats are a dominant community in Karnataka, largely concentrated in the northern part of the state.
