Jawaharlal Nehru University has rusticated five PhD students, including four office-bearers of the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU), after a proctorial inquiry found them guilty of vandalising Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) access gates at the Dr B R Ambedkar Central Library on November 21, 2025.The students, Kizhakoot Gopika Babu, Aditi Mishra, Sunil Yadav, Danish Ali and Nitish Kumar, have been rusticated for two semesters and declared “out of bounds” from the entire campus with immediate effect. Each has also been fined ₹20,000, according to suspension letters accessed by PTI.When contacted, the JNU administration confirmed to PTI that suspension letters had been issued to the students but declined to comment on the contents of the orders.
Inquiry details: Cameras torn out despite security pleas
The disciplinary action follows a proctorial inquiry that examined CCTV footage, witness accounts and statements from security staff present during the incident. According to the inquiry letters cited by PTI, the group “forcibly pulled out the cameras and camera stands installed on the machines,” even as security personnel repeatedly urged them to stop.The FRT system, installed at an estimated cost of ₹20 lakh, was rendered unusable during the vandalism, the suspension letter stated.The inquiry also documented injuries to staff members. Two female security guards sustained injuries “leading to blood loss” while attempting to intervene, the university noted in its communication.
Roles attributed to JNUSU office-bearers
The inquiry report assigned specific roles to the students involved. It concluded that JNUSU president Aditi Mishra and vice-president Gopika Babu led the vandalism, while joint secretary Danish Ali and Nitish Kumar dismantled panels inside the library premises.In a particularly pointed observation, the notice served to Gopika Babu stated that she “stood on the dismantled panels and delivered a provocative speech justifying the act of vandalism” and also “sloganeered in the library premises, disrupting the smooth functioning,” according to PTI reports.The administration held that these actions went beyond protest and constituted direct interference with academic operations at one of the university’s central facilities.
Rustication through Winter and Monsoon 2026
Citing provisions under the University’s Statute covering acts of violence, damage to property and disruption of academic functioning, JNU ordered rustication for both the Winter and Monsoon semesters of 2026.The students have been instructed to deposit the ₹20,000 fine within ten days and submit proof of payment to the Chief Proctor’s Office. The notices further warned that any individual found providing shelter to the rusticated students in campus hostels would invite disciplinary action.By declaring the five scholars “out of bounds,” the university has effectively barred them from entering any part of the campus during the rustication period.
Administration signals tougher stance on campus disruptions
The episode comes at a time when JNU has been grappling with repeated confrontations over administrative reforms and campus infrastructure changes, including the introduction of technology-driven access systems. While student groups have criticised FRT installations as intrusive, the administration has maintained that such measures are aimed at strengthening security and regulating entry into key academic spaces.This latest action underscores a sharper institutional line against vandalism and disruption of academic life, particularly when it involves damage to public property and harm to staff.For now, the rustication of five PhD scholars, four of them elected representatives of the students’ union, marks one of the strongest disciplinary moves taken by the university in recent years, with the administration making it clear that protests crossing into violence will invite strict consequences.(With inputs from PTI)
