JNU decision on probe report soon

Jawaharlal Nehru University authorities are inching closer to taking a stand on the varsity’s high-level probe panel’s report, recommending disciplinary action against students who organised the controversial Afzal Guru event.

The final word on disciplinary action will come out by Monday, or latest by Tuesday, according to the varsity administration. JNU is currently examining the replies to show cause notices it issued to students accused of organising the event on February 9 event — where anti-India slogans were allegedly raised.

An enquiry panel set up by JNU recommended on March 14 the rustication of five students including Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya — who faced arrest on charges of sedition — over the campus event, said sources in the JNU administration. The arrested students are on a six-month interim bail.

Students after initial denial had submitted their ‘show cause’ replies on March 18. According to a senior university official, the replies are either “tangential” or “critical” of the enquiry committee.

The senior varsity official said the accused students are likely to be given a final hearing before the jury is out on them. The JNU chief proctor will take decision in this matter.

A majority of student and teacher groups have been up in arms over the high-level enquiry panel’s report. A JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) resolution passed in its March 16 meeting said: “The JNUSU has expressed its concerns over the composition, terms of reference and functioning of the HLEC (high-level enquiry panel). We have communicated to the JNU administration, how the HLEC has violated the principles of natural justice in the enquiry process. The JNU administration has neither addressed our concerns nor has taken any step regarding this.”

“This is an academic struggle, it will continue,” said Amrita of the All India Students Federation, while speaking to Deccan Herald about her party’s meeting ahead of the verdict.