JNU fines students for 'cooking food near administrative building'
In a peculiar move, JNU has levied a fine of Rs. 6,000 on at least one student for "cooking food (biryani) near the administration building and eating it thereafter along with other students". According to some reports, four others have been penalized. They have been given 10 days to pay the fine. Students have alleged they are being targeted for opposing the V-C.
A copy of the letter
Why were students cooking near the administrative building?
The incident in question happened on June 27. Then JNUSU president Mohit Pandey said some student representatives had gone to the V-C's office to seek an appointment to discuss issues. "We were waiting since afternoon.We got the appointment late in the night," he said. In the meantime, some waiting outside cooked food as by 11pm, all dhabas in the campus had closed.
The penalty order has come over four months later
"You've been found guilty of being involved in cooking food (biryani) near the stairs in front of the Administrative Building and eating it thereafter along with other students…This act is serious in nature (and) unbecoming of a JNU student," an order dated November 8 read.
Fines reportedly ranged up to Rs. 10,000
Amir Malik was fined Rs. 6,000 for "cooking food (biryani)…in front of administration building". Chepal Sherpa and Manish Kumar were reportedly penalized similarly. Meanwhile, former JNUSU general secretary Satarupa Chakraborty was fined Rs 10,000 for "having food (biryani)" and for "leading the protest demonstration inside V-C office". Protests within 100m of the administrative building are banned, but "since when is cooking indiscipline?" asked Malik.
