JNU Rusticates Entire JNUSU Leadership Over Alleged Vandalism

Last Updated:February 08, 2026, 19:43 IST

The decision has left the JNUSU without elected representation until fresh polls are held.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has rusticated all four current office-bearers of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU).

The students include President Aditi Mishra, Vice President Gopika Babu, General Secretary Sunil Yadav, and Joint Secretary Danish Ali, along with former president Nitish Kumar, for two semesters over alleged vandalism.

According to the university, the action relates to the vandalism of facial recognition gates during a protest in November 2025 against biometric surveillance at the central library. The students have also been fined Rs 20,000 each and barred from entering the campus with immediate effect.

The decision has left the JNUSU without elected representation until fresh polls are held. While student groups have described the move as a crackdown on dissent, the university administration has cited property damage amounting to Rs 20 lakh.

The notice also warned that any student found sheltering them in hostels or elsewhere on the JNU campus would face disciplinary action. The students have been directed to deposit the fine and submit proof to the Chief Proctor’s Office.

The protests began in August 2025, with students opposing the system as a “surveillance mechanism" and an “infringement of privacy." According to the JNUSU, the biometric gates were installed in November during the student union election period, after which the newly elected union stepped up its protests. The university later initiated disciplinary action and filed police complaints against the students.

News education-career JNU Rusticates Entire JNUSU Leadership Over Alleged Vandalism

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