Jamia Millia Islamia Revokes Suspension of Ten Students Following Protests and Court Order

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has lifted the suspension of at least 10 students who were previously penalised for allegedly participating in campus protests. These students must sign a "Bond of Good Conduct" within seven working days of receiving their revocation letters. This decision follows a Delhi High Court order that stayed the university's suspension action.

Last month, JMI had suspended 17 students for protesting against disciplinary measures taken against two PhD scholars. These scholars were accused of organising "Jamia Resistance Day" on December 15, 2024, an event marking the start of the 2019 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The students also opposed the university's ban on campus demonstrations.

Delhi High Court Intervention

The Delhi High Court intervened on March 4, staying the university's suspension decision and directing JMI to form a committee to address the issue. Following this, disciplinary committees met on February 25 and March 4, recommending revoking the suspensions. Despite this, only one of the seven students who challenged the suspension in court has received a revocation letter.

Meanwhile, some students have expressed their refusal to sign the undertaking. AISA-affiliated students Saurabh and Sonakshi stated, "We will not sign any bond of good conduct and will seek legal help if necessary." This sentiment reflects broader student opposition to the university's conditions for lifting suspensions.

Fines and Further Actions

In addition to revoking suspensions, two students have been fined Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 as part of disciplinary actions. A letter from JMI's Chief Proctor’s Office to one student reads: "After reconsidering the recommendation of the Discipline Committee held on February 2, the Competent Authority, JMI, under the power vested in him as per statute 31 of the JMI Act, has decided to revoke the Suspension Order dated February 12, with a Rs 5,000 fine to be paid within a month from the receipt of this letter."

The letter further instructs students to resume academic activities while adhering to university rules by submitting the "Bond of Good Conduct" within seven working days. However, several students remain opposed to these conditions and are considering legal options.

Controversy Over Student List

A controversy arose when a list containing names, phone numbers, and addresses of suspended students was reportedly displayed at the university entrance. Students alleged that this was done by the administration, a claim denied by JMI. The list was subsequently removed after complaints.

The JMI administration has not commented officially on either the revocation or the status of the remaining seven suspended students. As tensions continue, many await further developments regarding student protests and administrative responses at Jamia Millia Islamia.