Taking a tough stance against the students on hunger strike, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Wednesday asked the students to call off the hunger strike saying that the matter is sub-judice.
“The JNU Administration appeals to students to end the hunger strike immediately in view of some students moving to the High Court on the issue of the High level Enquiry Committee Report related to the event on February 9,” said the university in a statement.
Earlier this week, the varsity had formed a four-member committee to look into demands of students protesting against punishments by JNU for involvement in the controversial event during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised.
However, the panel may take a back seat after the two students — Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya — on Tuesday moved High Court against the punishment orders. “The court has asked the university to deposit all the documents related to it for judicial scrutiny. Since the matter is sub judice, the administration will abide by the court ruling,” the varsity statement said.
Meanwhile, the indefinite hunger strike by the students entered 14th day today even as one more student had to withdraw the fast after she was admitted to AIIMS when her health deteriorated last night.
So far, 13 students, including JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid, have withdrawn from the fast while 7 others are still continuing with the strike.
Hearing the petition, the Delhi High Court had yesterday issued a notice to JNU seeking its response and directed that date of deposit of the fine by Umar shall be extended till May 30, the next date of hearing.