Story perspectives

JNU Revokes Rustication, Withdraws FIRs After 17-Day Protest

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 4:11 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

JNU Reverses Rustication

JNU administration revoked the rustication of five student leaders after a 17-day protest.
The university also agreed to withdraw all FIRs filed against the protesting students.
A committee will review contentious clauses in the Chief Proctor’s Office manual.
JNU will consider a 25% increase in the Merit-cum-Means scholarship.
Functional geysers will be installed in all hostels within two weeks.

Summary

John Brittas Appeals

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas wrote to President Droupadi Murmu urging intervention in the JNU hunger strike.
He also appealed to Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, citing protesters' deteriorating health.
University administration said medical check-ups occurred twice daily, while JNUSU claimed rusticated leaders received no care for six days.
Similar hunger strikes erupted at Jamia Millia Islamia and Ambedkar University Delhi, indicating city-wide student unrest.

History

Historical Context

On May 4 1970, Ohio National Guard troops fired on Kent State University protesters, killing four students and wounding nine, prompting a nationwide strike that shut more than 450 campuses and involved over 4 million students. The tragedy spurred federal inquiries and campus-policy reforms, a legacy echoed today as JNU students, backed by CPI(M) MP John Brittas and minister Pralhad Joshi, stage a hunger strike over university governance.

1 of 3

JNU Reverses Rustication

JNU administration revoked the rustication of five student leaders after a 17-day protest.
The university also agreed to withdraw all FIRs filed against the protesting students.
A committee will review contentious clauses in the Chief Proctor’s Office manual.
JNU will consider a 25% increase in the Merit-cum-Means scholarship.
Functional geysers will be installed in all hostels within two weeks.

1 / 3