The administration has taken strict action against the clashes that broke out during protests against the face recognition system at JNU. A research scholar has been expelled, and three office bearers, including the student union president, have been fined.
The controversy surrounding the facial recognition-based entry system at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has taken a new turn. The university administration has taken strict action in this matter, rusticating a research scholar for one semester and fining the president and vice president of the student union (JNUSU). This issue surfaced in August 2025 when students protested against the face recognition system being installed in the university's central library.
In August, face recognition-based access gates were being installed at JNU's Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Central Library. Students argued that spending lakhs of rupees to install new technology was unnecessary when the university lacked basic amenities such as subscriptions to journals like JSTOR, adequate library seats, and even software for students with disabilities. Students began a protest over this issue, which gradually escalated into a confrontation. Student union leaders Nitish Kumar and Manikant Patel were also injured during the protest.
The Administration Punished
In an order issued on October 28, JNU's Chief Proctor announced that Manikant Patel, a PhD student at the Centre for the Study of Regional Development (CSRD), was expelled for one semester and banned from campus with immediate effect. He was also fined ₹15,000. The order stated that Patel was found guilty of assaulting security personnel and library staff and kicking the main door. According to the administration, he misbehaved with the librarian on duty and obstructed government work.
Meanwhile, JNUSU President Nitish Kumar, himself a PhD student, has been fined ₹19,000 and sternly warned to refrain from such activities. The administration states that Nitish Kumar threatened library staff, tried to force open the gate, and provoked Manikant. JNUSU Vice President Manisha has also been fined ₹5,000 and warned that strict action will be taken if she repeats any indiscipline in the future.
Students Accuse the Administration
Following this action, Manikant Patel accused the administration of distorting facts. He said, "We were only demanding our basic amenities. Instead of addressing our problems, the administration was spending crores of rupees on a face recognition system. During the altercation, a piece of glass pierced my leg, but the notice states that guards were injured."
The Administration's Stand
The JNU administration wrote in its order that Patel's behavior demonstrates a complete disregard for institutional procedures. However, keeping his future in mind, a sympathetic approach was adopted and he was given a punishment of only one semester.
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