New Delhi — Jawaharlal Nehru University has issued a formal notice warning students against chanting slogans critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a manner the administration deems inflammatory, stating that such conduct may violate campus decorum and, in certain contexts, amount to hate speech.
The notice follows recent protests on campus that heightened tensions and prompted the Vice-Chancellor to convene an emergency meeting with faculty and student representatives. The administration has directed that any slogans assessed as inciting hostility or disturbing communal harmony will be examined by the university’s disciplinary committee. Penalties, depending on severity and intent, could range from warnings to suspension or expulsion.
In an official statement, JNU emphasized that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it is subject to reasonable restrictions. The university cited University Grants Commission guidelines, which advise educational institutions to prevent speech that disrupts campus peace or promotes hatred.
Legal experts note that Indian law draws a clear distinction between political dissent and hate speech. Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code criminalizes acts that promote enmity between groups, and universities, as public institutions, are expected to ensure compliance with such provisions. Recent judgments of the Supreme Court of India have upheld disciplinary action where speech crosses from criticism into incitement.
Reactions on campus remain divided. Some student groups argue the move risks curbing legitimate political expression, while others support the administration, saying it protects JNU’s academic environment from polarizing rhetoric. Civil-rights organizations have called for transparent and narrowly defined criteria to distinguish dissent from hate speech.
The university has stated that each case will be assessed individually, with due process and fair hearings assured. The outcomes of the disciplinary proceedings will be made public. The episode highlights the ongoing national debate over the limits of free speech within India’s university spaces amid an increasingly charged political climate.
