The Immediate Trigger: Clashes During the 'Long March'

On February 26, 2026, tensions at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi boiled over when hundreds of students, organized by the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU), attempted a 'Long March' to the Ministry of Education. What began as a demonstration demanding key reforms in higher education equity ended in violent clashes with Delhi Police at the campus main gate. Around 400 to 800 students gathered near the North Gate around 3:20 PM, pushing against barricades and allegedly breaking triple locks on the gate to exit the campus. Police, anticipating unrest, had deployed heavy forces including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), water cannons, and tear gas units.

Accounts differ sharply. Police reported that protesters pelted stones, sticks, banners, and even shoes, physically assaulting officers—some claiming bites on personnel. Approximately 25 policemen, including Assistant Commissioners of Police Ved Prakash and Sanghamitra, and Station House Officers Atul Tyagi and Ajai Yadav, sustained injuries. Students countered that police resorted to brutal lathi charges, dragging women protesters, tearing clothes, and denying medical aid to the injured. Videos circulating online showed scuffles, damaged barricades, and a portrait of B.R. Ambedkar allegedly snatched by officers.

By evening, Delhi Police detained 51 individuals, including JNUSU President Aditi Mishra, former President Nitish Kumar, Vice-President Gopika Babu, and Joint Secretary Danish Ali. An FIR was filed at Vasant Kunj North Police Station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for obstructing public servants (Section 221), causing hurt (121[1]), assault (132), and common intention (3[5]). Overnight, 14 were formally arrested.

Swift Judicial Intervention: Bail Granted to All Arrested

By February 27, 2026, a Delhi court granted bail to all 14 arrested students, marking a quick legal resolution amid ongoing protests. The court appearance highlighted the rapid escalation and de-escalation, with JNUSU hailing it as a victory for student rights while police pursued investigations. This development eased immediate tensions but underscored deeper divides, as JNUSU announced a 'complete campus lockdown' and plans for further mobilization.

Core Demands: UGC Equity Regulations and Beyond

At the heart of the unrest are demands for implementing the University Grants Commission (UGC) (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2026—despite a Supreme Court stay. Notified on January 13, 2026, these regulations mandate anti-discrimination cells, Equity Officers, sensitization programs, and annual reporting on caste, gender, and disability-based grievances in universities. They build on 2012 rules but emphasize protections for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) against caste-based exclusion.

The Supreme Court stayed them on January 29, 2026, citing vagueness, potential misuse (e.g., false complaints without safeguards for general category students), and equality violations under Article 14. Chief Justice Surya Kant's bench noted exclusions in the caste discrimination definition and risks of societal division, reverting to 2012 norms temporarily.

Students also seek the 'Rohith Act'—a proposed law inspired by Rohith Vemula's 2016 suicide at University of Hyderabad due to alleged caste discrimination. Named the Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) Right to Education and Dignity Bill, it aims for nationwide safeguards, with Karnataka advancing a state version. Other calls include revoking rustications of five JNUSU leaders (issued February 3 for alleged vandalism of library CCTV), Vice-Chancellor resignation, and increased funding amid JNU's reported 36% academic budget cuts.

• Establish mandatory equity committees in all HEIs
• Appoint dedicated Equity Officers
• Annual UGC reporting and penalties for non-compliance
• Focus on preventing segregation in hostels/classrooms

VC Santishree Pandit's Controversial Remarks

JNU's first woman Vice-Chancellor, Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit (OBC), ignited fury with podcast comments on February 16, 2026. Discussing the UGC regulations, she called them 'irrational' and 'unnecessary,' and remarked on 'woke' narratives portraying Dalits and Blacks as 'permanently drugged with victimhood.' JNUSU labeled these 'casteist,' demanding her apology and resignation for perpetuating exclusion.

Pandit clarified: 'Words taken out of context for political gain. I am Bahujan myself, a double beneficiary of reservations. I support equity but oppose inequitable laws punishing birth identity.' She invoked Ambedkar and noted faculty support against 'Leftist fringe' misrepresentation. The university accused protesters of diverting from rustication for vandalism (₹20 lakh damage).

Photo by Barbara Zandoval on Unsplash

Stakeholder Perspectives: A Divided Campus

Students (JNUSU et al.): Frame protests as fighting systemic casteism, police brutality, and funding slashes eroding public universities. JNUTA condemned 'brutal force' on democratic rights.

Administration: JNUSU ignores 'core vandalism issue,' demands violate SC stay; attacks on OBC woman VC deplorable.

Police: Unlawful assembly, assaults justified action; injuries to officers prove aggression.

Faculty: Split—some back JNUTA's police critique, others support VC per unsigned statements.

Historical Context: JNU's Legacy of Activism

JNU, established 1969 as a premier public research university, epitomizes student-led change. From 2016 fee hikes to 2020 citizenship law protests, its left-leaning unions challenge authority. Recent rustications echo 2019 sedition cases. Amid national higher ed shifts like NEP 2020 promoting equity, JNU embodies debates on reservations vs merit.

Broader Implications for Indian Higher Education

This episode spotlights equity struggles. UGC regulations address rising campus suicides (over 100/year linked to discrimination), but critics fear reverse discrimination.UGC's official regulations page details compliance needs. Public funding woes—JNU's halved spend in 7 years—exacerbate divides, pushing privatization.

For aspiring academics, such unrest underscores resilience needs. Explore tips for academic CVs amid volatile campuses.

Challenges and Solutions: Path Forward

Challenges: Legal stays stall reforms; politicized discourse hinders dialogue; funding gaps (e.g., Bihar's record HE budget contrasts JNU cuts) widen inequalities.

• Stakeholder dialogues via JNUTA mediation
• Revised UGC regs addressing SC concerns
• Increased public funding for inclusivity
• Mental health support per IIT Roorkee model (see IIT policy)

Solutions-oriented: Hybrid equity models balancing protections. Faculty jobs resilient to unrest—check faculty openings.

Photo by Hassan Anayi on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Dialogue or Continued Unrest?

With bail secured, protests may pause, but unresolved demands signal escalation risks. National ripple: Similar stirs at DU, IITs over equity. Positive: Could spur balanced reforms, boosting India's HE as global hub. Rate professors amid changes via Rate My Professor; seek higher ed jobs or career advice. JNU's saga reminds: Equity demands constructive activism.