JNU, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Madras Issue Advisories Warning Students Against Joining CJP Protests

Major academic institutions across India—including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), IIT Roorkee, and IIT Madras—have issued advisories urging students and faculty to refrain from participating in ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstrations over the NEET examination controversy.

The circulars follow a similar caution issued earlier by Delhi University (DU), expanding institutional restrictions as student demonstrations over alleged paper leaks continue near Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Institutional Advisories and Directives

• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): JNU administration released an official advisory asking students and faculty to "refrain from joining unauthorized political gatherings" at Jantar Mantar, emphasizing the need to uphold academic schedules and maintain public order.
• IIT Roorkee: The institute issued guidance advising campus members against making public or social media statements regarding central government policy or political protests, later clarifying that existing conduct guidelines apply during ongoing national demonstrations.
• IIT Madras: Campus authorities instructed student body administrators to exercise restraint regarding protest-related communications and public demonstrations.

Political and Student Reaction

The wave of university advisories drew criticism from opposition figures. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi publicly questioned the university directives, arguing that student participation in peaceful assemblies is a protected right under democratic norms.

CJP student coordinators at Jantar Mantar maintained that institutional advisories would not deter student mobilization regarding exam integrity and accountability.

What we can verify

• Institutions issuing advisories: JNU, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Madras issued notices or guidance advising students against participating in CJP-led demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. — The Indian Express / Khabargaon
• Content of notices: Circulars focus on maintaining academic discipline, avoiding unauthorized political gatherings, and exercising restraint on social media. — Khabargaon Ground Report
• Opposition response: Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, publicly criticized university administration advisories restricting student assembly. — The Indian Express

What remains unverified

• Disciplinary actions taken: Whether any university has initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against individual students for attending protests remains [unverified].
• Total student attendance impact: The exact impact of advisories on student turnout at Jantar Mantar is [unverified].