The Delhi High Court has stayed an order by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) that imposed a fine of 19,000 rupees on several students. The university had penalized the students for allegedly supporting protesters who were demonstrating against the implementation of facial recognition technology on campus.
A bench led by Justice Jasmeet Singh issued the stay, stating that the students’ behavior did not constitute a disciplinary violation. The court observed that the right to express dissent, protest, or support a demonstration is a fundamental right that should not be restricted or penalized. The court further noted that punishing students for such actions is unacceptable.
The disciplinary action originated from protests against the university’s facial recognition system. JNU authorities had initiated proceedings against several students, alleging that some had encouraged those damaging the technology, while others were accused of clapping and chanting slogans in support of the protest. On February 2, the university imposed the 19,000-rupee fine on the affected students.
In their petition to the Delhi High Court, the students argued that the evidence provided by the university showed them merely smiling at protesters. They contended that there was no proof of their involvement in property damage or any other form of misconduct.
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