Patiala House Court Grants Relief, JNU Students Celebrate Release

Fourteen students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) were released from Tihar Jail late Sunday night following court orders from the Patiala House Court. The students included JNU Union President Aditi, Vice President Gopika, Joint Secretary Danish, and former President Nitish, among others. The court clarified that it is not permissible to keep individuals in prolonged custody for procedural formalities such as address verification, especially when they are already deemed eligible for bail. This ruling paved the way for the students’ immediate release, ending their period of incarceration. The JNU Student Union described the release as a victory for truth and justice, stating that the arrests had been an attempt to suppress student voices. The union emphasized that their struggle would continue until the Vice Chancellor resigned over alleged casteist remarks, and until the implementation of the ‘Rohit Act’ and UGC equity regulations. The students’ demands also include withdrawing courses introduced under the New Education Policy and revoking the suspension of union leaders. Upon release, the students celebrated outside the jail, marking the moment as a significant achievement for student rights and freedom of expression. This development highlights ongoing tensions in the university over administrative actions, student activism, and demands for systemic reforms. The student union has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice and policy changes despite recent legal challenges.