JNUSU protest against admin continues — with office orders

On Thursday, JNUSU issued an office order against the V-C, replicating a proctorial office order

Kadam and V-C M Jagadesh Kumar did not respond to calls and texts by The Indian Express.

As the showdown between students and administration of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) over new hostel rules and fee entered the third day, the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) has come up with a new way to take on the administration — by issuing them office orders.

On Thursday, JNUSU issued an office order against the V-C, replicating a proctorial office order: “You have been found to be involved in anti-student activities, including the illegal violation of the order of the Hon’ble HC judgment, and the undemocratic and illegal passage of the Draft Hostel manual 2019. These acts constitute a serious breach of the democratic ethos of the university…”

“… This is an act of indiscipline and misconduct. For due process of natural justice, your reply should reach the competent authority latest by November 4, failing which it will be presumed that you have nothing to say in your defence and the competent authority will be free to take appropriate action against you,” it added.

A similar office order was issued against Dean of Students Umesh Kadam, declaring him “out of bounds”.

“Anyone giving shelter to Mr Umesh Ashok Kadam in any premises of the university shall be considered to be party to (his) offences. If he has to come to JNU for any academic purpose, he has to seek official permission from the office of the JNUSU, 10 days prior to the visit,” it read.

Kadam and V-C M Jagadesh Kumar did not respond to calls and texts by The Indian Express.

Kadam had earlier called the notice insulting. Sharing a photo of the notice, he tweeted, “This is how Aishe Ghosh (JNUSU president) is insulting, threatening and defaming me in public space, I am requesting the Ministry of Social Justice and re-appealing to Vasant Kunj North police to take immediate action against her for instigating and holding me hostage even in the ambulance.”

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On Monday, the JNU administration claimed the union did not allow Kadam to leave the hostel committee meeting despite health issues. However, JNUSU claimed Kadam “faked health issues” to avoid discussion.