Jawaharlal Nehru University has rusticated PhD student Swati Singh for 2 semesters, declaring her “out of bounds” from the campus due to alleged disciplinary violations.
The decision comes despite a 2024 Delhi High Court ruling that had previously overturned a similar rustication order, citing flaws in JNU’s inquiry process and violations of natural justice.
Disciplinary Action & Allegations
JNU’s official notice cited an August 29, 2023, incident in which Swati Singh, President of the Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF), was accused of engaging in a physical altercation with a female security guard. In response, JNU invoked Statute 32(5), referring to behavior violations under Category II (xxiv) and (xxv), which include “intimidation or insulting behaviour” and other actions deemed disruptive to discipline.
Swati Singh’s Response
Swati, in her reaction, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the rustication, calling it a “blatant act of political vendetta.” She pointed out that the timing of the action, just after the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) won a post in the JNUSU elections, was not coincidental. Swati reiterated her intention to challenge the order in court once again.
She also highlighted that, despite a previous court ruling in her favor, the university had not fully implemented the relief, forcing her to live outside campus, thus incurring significant financial and emotional burdens. Swati further criticized the university for disregarding her defense, which included testimonies from student witnesses and questions regarding the authenticity of the evidence used against her.
DSF & JNUSU Condemn The Move
The Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF) and the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) condemned the university’s decision. DSF, in particular, argued that the move was politically motivated, aimed at targeting their leadership after a strong performance in the recent JNUSU elections, where the Left alliance, including DSF and AISA, secured three out of four central panel positions.
JNUSU issued a statement calling the rustication a “fascist assault” on campus democracy. The union expressed solidarity with Swati Singh, accusing the administration of continuing a “witch-hunt” against activists and stifling free speech on campus.
Legal & Academic Implications
Swati’s latest rustication order has raised significant concerns about its impact on her academic progress. She is nearing the completion of her Ph.D. thesis, and this second disciplinary action could potentially disrupt her academic trajectory. In her detailed response to the Show Cause Notice, she argued that the entire process was a violation of natural justice, as her requests for critical evidence, such as full CCTV footage, had been ignored.
The Delhi High Court’s earlier ruling had specifically directed JNU to reinstate Swati and provide hostel accommodation. However, the university’s failure to implement these directions has led to further legal battles and frustration for Swati, who now faces fresh punitive measures.
University’s Stand
Despite Swati’s allegations and the court’s intervention, JNU has continued with its disciplinary actions. The official rustication order, dated April 29, warns that anyone offering shelter to Swati on campus will face disciplinary consequences. The university’s Chief Proctor, N. Janardhana Raju, did not respond to ANI’s request for a comment.
As the case continues, the dispute highlights the ongoing tension between student activists and university authorities, with allegations of political targeting and the erosion of student rights at the heart of the controversy. The matter is expected to draw further attention as Swati Singh prepares to challenge the latest decision in court.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
