The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) revoked the academic suspension of eight students including its students’ union president Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khaled.
The suspension was revoked after a high-level committee of the university probing the issue submitted its report to JNU authorities.
The varsity, however, clarified that it does not signify a “clean chit” to the students and that the final decision will be taken by the Vice Chancellor.
The five-member panel was constituted on 10 February by the university, a day after the event took place.
The eight students were suspended on 12 February. On the basis of a preliminary report by the panel, the varsity had debarred the students from academic activity. They were, however, allowed to stay as guests in hostels till the proceedings were over.
The High-Level Inquiry Committee (HLIC) constituted by the Vice Chancellor to investigate the 9 February incident that took place in JNU campus, has submitted its report. The report is under consideration by the JNU administration.Senior University Official
He added, “Since the enquiry is over, their suspension has been revoked. The suspended students can now resume their classes and academic activities. However, it should not be seen as a clean-chit, the decision about punishment if any or for whom will be taken after the university administration has deliberated upon the recommendations of the committee.”
The committee has faced a series of hiccups since its constitution. While the varsity’s proctorial committee was first given the task to probe the issue, a day later it was replaced by a high-level committee.
The committee initially had three members but under pressure from teachers and students for broadening its scope, the university had added two more members to the panel.
The varsity turned down the demand and maintained that the students will be given three chances to appear before the disciplinary committee. If they fail to do so, the committee will finalise its recommendations on the basis of the evidence, eyewitness accounts, students’ deposition (if any) and material available on hand.
Besides Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khaled, the other suspended students included Anirban Bhattacharya, Ashutosh, Rama Naga, Anant Kumar, Shweta Raj and Aishwarya Adhikari.
While Kanhaiya was granted bail in a sedition case over the event last week, Umar and Anirban are still in custody.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)