Full Breakdown
JNU Hunger Strike Ends After University Concedes Key Demands
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: 17-Day Hunger Strike Concludes
Members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) called off their indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday after the administration agreed to revoke the rustication of five student office-bearers, withdraw all FIRs lodged against them, and form committees to review contentious clauses of the Chief Proctor’s Office (CPO) manual. The decision followed a meeting on Monday with a committee chaired by Dean of the School of Social Sciences Prof Vivek Kumar.
Background & Context
The protest began on October 3, 2026, when a university general-body resolution demanded the withdrawal of the CPO manual—criticised for imposing fines, suspension and rustication for protest-related violations—along with improvements to campus infrastructure and reinstatement of the JNU Entrance Examination. The union, representing roughly 9,000 students, alleged irregularities in university recruitment and questioned the administration’s use of public funds.
Timeline
- Oct 3 – Hunger strike launched.
- Oct 5 – President Aditi Mishra, vice-president K Gopika Babu and general secretary Sunil Yadav confirmed participation.
- Oct 9 – Prof Vivek Kumar met protesters for over four hours at the vice-chancellor’s office.
- Oct 14 – Second round of talks; two protest groups ended their strike after assurances.
- Oct 16 – Vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit announced a meeting at 8:50 a.m.; union later claimed the VC visited at 9 a.m. and refused to speak to rusticated students.
- Oct 19 – Dean Kumar issued a notice directing the revocation of rustication for the five office-bearers; the hunger strike was called off the same day.
Data & Statistics
- Five rusticated office-bearers reinstated: Aditi Mishra, K Gopika Babu, Sunil Yadav, Danish Ali and former president Nitish Kumar.
- All FIRs against the protesting students were ordered withdrawn.
- The university cited damage to public property estimated at INR20 lakh.
- The union claims a mandate from ? 9,000 students.
Official Statements & Responses
The university’s minutes, signed by Dean Kumar and student representatives, listed the agreed actions: revocation of rustication, withdrawal of FIRs, formation of a committee to purge contentious CPO clauses, and additional committees on hostel reservations, the JNU Entrance Examination, and the Equal Opportunity Cell.
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, invoking the Jawaharlal Nehru University Act, 1966, and urged immediate revocation of rustication orders and removal of objectionable CPO provisions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Medical care: The vice-chancellor’s statement claims twice-daily medical check-ups for all protesters from day 1, while the union alleges no medical care for rusticated leaders for the first six days.
- Site visitation: The university reports a competent authority arrived at 8:50 a.m. on October 16 and found no students; the union contends the vice-chancellor arrived at 9 a.m., saw protesters, and left without engaging.
Verbatim Quote
- “The indefinite hunger strike by JNU students, now in its 17th day, and the deteriorating health of the participants demand urgent intervention,” — John Brittas
