JNU Fee Hike Protest: Delhi HC asks JNU to file details of students protesting near Admin Block

The Delhi High Court today directed the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to file an affidavit detailing the particulars of students against whom a contempt petition has been preferred by it for protesting in connection with the fee hike near its Administrative Block..As per the order passed by a Single Judge Bench of Justice AK Chawla, the details will include the courses they are pursuing, the status of the course, stay on campus etc..The order was passed by the Court after the University Officials today failed to state such details about one of the contemnor-students..In its contempt plea filed against certain students of the University, the JNU administration has contended that the protests are being staged in violation of an earlier order passed by the Court which had barred the students from protesting within 100 mt of the Administrative Block..The Administrative Block includes the Vice Chancellor’s Office, Rector Offices, Registrar Office, Controller of Examination Office, Admission Branch, Recruitment Cell etc..It is JNU’s case that the protests are affecting the day-to-day administration of the University and crippled the functioning of the University since October 28..The University has acknowledged the rights of the students to protest. It has, however, stated that the right has to be exercised reasonably and in accordance with the earlier orders of the court..“The acts of the students have transcended from mere protests and blockade of the Administrative Block to the harassment of officials and staff of the University and vandalism of the Administrative Block.”, it is argued..The University has further contended that the protests have not been peaceful and are being carried out on a large scale with the sole intention of bringing the working of the University to a standstill..It is also submitted that the police authorities have also violated the earlier High Court order prohibiting protests within 100 mt of the Administrative Block by refusing and failing to take action to maintain law and order situation in the University and removing the blockade..The University has thus sought contempt action against the contemnor-students in accordance with the provisions of Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971..JNU was represented by Standing Counsel Monika Arora..The matter would be heard next on December 20.