JNU joins AIU, DU, IITs in advising students, faculty, staff to stay away from protests

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has joined a growing list of higher education institutions advising members of their campus community to stay away from protest sites, asking its wider academic community to avoid gatherings at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and prioritize academic responsibilities, personal safety, and responsible public conduct.

The development comes days after similar advisories were issued by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Delhi University, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Madras amid continuing protests over the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak and demands for examination reforms.

Unlike advisories issued by several institutions that were directed primarily at students, JNU's notice was addressed to "all stakeholders of JNU's epistemic community," a broader term that includes students, faculty members, researchers, scholars, staff, and other members of the university community.

The advisory was issued under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, who has headed the university since 2022.

In its notice, JNU urged all stakeholders to "act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety."

Referring to the Supreme Court's directions governing public demonstrations, the university requested students, faculty, and staff to "refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, New Delhi."

The university also advised members of its academic community to "exercise responsibility on social media," warning that violations of applicable laws could result in legal consequences as well as disciplinary proceedings under the university's code of conduct.

The advisory further encouraged the university community to uphold the values of "academic responsibility and responsible citizenship."

The notice has attracted attention because of JNU's long-standing identity as one of India's most politically active university campuses.

Over several decades, the institution has been associated with student movements and demonstrations on issues ranging from campus governance and education policy to broader national political developments.

Against that backdrop, the university's decision to advise its academic community to stay away from protest venues such as Jantar Mantar marks a significant development.

JNU's advisory follows a series of similar directions issued by universities and premier institutions in recent days.

The Association of Indian Universities, which represents universities and higher education institutions across the country, appealed to vice chancellors and institutional heads to counsel students to remain focused on their studies instead of participating in protests related to recent examination controversies.

In a letter addressed to vice chancellors and directors of member institutions, AIU President Vinay Kumar Pathak urged universities to engage with students "with empathy" while encouraging them to continue their academic pursuits rather than joining demonstrations.

The advisory, titled "Appeal to encourage students to remain focused on their studies and to repose faith in the ongoing strengthening of the examination system," acknowledged that students' concerns should be heard with empathy and respect.

However, it said prolonged agitations could disrupt academic progress, divert attention from examination preparation, and increase stress among students.

The AIU letter came amid continuing protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak, where students have been demanding examination reforms, greater accountability in public examinations, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Referring to concerns surrounding national-level examinations, Pathak said a section of students had been staying away from classes to participate in demonstrations despite the government's commitment to addressing the issue.

He also noted that the reconducted NEET UG examination had been conducted in a "transparent and error-free manner."

"I would, therefore, earnestly appeal to you to counsel our students with patience, sensitivity and care for their future to remain focused on their academic pursuits and not to allow their energies to be diverted by calls to protest," the letter stated.

The AIU also said the Union government is committed to strengthening and reforming the examination system and urged students to place confidence in the government's assurances rather than "rumour and speculation."

The letter referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure future examinations are conducted in a fair, transparent, and secure manner.

Meanwhile, IIT Roorkee issued an email through its Registrar on July 20 asking students, employees, and other stakeholders not to participate in political discussions or activities or make public statements without prior approval from the institute.

The institute said it had observed that some campus inmates had publicly expressed support for political movements on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook through public statements and criticism.

Reiterating that IIT Roorkee is an institution dedicated to instruction, research, and the advancement of knowledge, the advisory cited its conduct rules and said students and employees would not be permitted to participate in political discussions or activities without prior permission.

It also stated that members of the institute should not make statements in print, electronic, or social media that could embarrass the institute's relationship with the Union government, other organizations, or members of the public.

Delhi University had earlier issued a similar advisory asking students to stay away from Jantar Mantar, where demonstrations have been taking place. IIT Madras also advised members of its campus community to exercise caution regarding protest participation and public conduct.

Days after IIT Roorkee and Delhi University issued their advisories, JNU became the latest institution to release a similar notice emphasizing personal safety, compliance with Supreme Court directions governing public demonstrations, and responsible conduct both offline and on social media.

The advisories have also drawn political reactions.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Delhi University over its advisory, accusing the institution of threatening students for exercising their democratic rights.

Sharing Delhi University's social media post on X, Gandhi wrote, "How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights? Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes."

The latest advisory places JNU alongside several universities and premier institutions that have, in recent days, urged students, faculty members, researchers, scholars, and staff to avoid protest sites, comply with legal and institutional guidelines, and remain focused on academic responsibilities while demonstrations over examination-related issues continue in the national capital.