NEW DELHI: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Friday advised its students and staff to refrain from participating in the protest at Jantar Mantar and cautioned them against “irresponsible social media activity”, warning that violations could invite legal and disciplinary action.In an advisory posted on its official X handle, JNU said: “All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.Please exercise responsibility on social media. Violations may invite legal consequences under applicable laws as well as disciplinary action under the University’s code of conduct.You are also encouraged to uphold the values of academic responsibility and responsible citizenship.”The advisory comes as students from universities across India have been participating in large numbers in the CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators have been demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Over the past few days, several universities and higher education bodies have issued similar advisories. Delhi University had urged students to stay away from the protest and exercise restraint on social media, while the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) had written to vice-chancellors of around 1,170 member universities asking them to counsel students against participating in demonstrations.The latest advisory also comes amid visible differences within the Delhi University community. While several DU colleges have shared posts from their official social media handles expressing support for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, student unions and societies in a number of colleges have issued statements condemning the police action on protesters and reiterating the demand for the minister’s resignation.
