Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Tuesday said it would take the strictest action against students who allegedly raised objectionable slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a protest on campus. The university administration confirmed that an FIR has been registered in the matter and said such actions would not be tolerated.

The university made its position clear through an official statement shared on the social media platform X, where it strongly condemned the incident. The administration said that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it cannot be misused to promote hatred or unlawful conduct.

“Universities are centres for innovation and new ideas, and they cannot be permitted to be converted into laboratories of hate,” the JNU administration said in its statement.

The incident reportedly took place outside Sabarmati Hostel on Monday night. According to the university, a group of students gathered and raised slogans targeting the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. Videos of the protest later circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention.

The protest came shortly after the Supreme Court refused to grant bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. The administration said the slogans raised during the protest were objectionable and violated university norms.

In its statement, JNU said, “The administration has vowed the strictest action against students found raising objectionable slogans against the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.”

The university emphasised that although it supports democratic values and free expression, it would not allow activities that disturb peace or break the law. “Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right, but any form of violence, unlawful conduct or anti-national activity will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the statement said.

JNU also said it had filed a police complaint with the Vasant Kunj police station, describing the slogans as hate speech and a violation of the JNU Code of Conduct. The complaint stated that the slogans amounted to serious misconduct and warranted legal action.

The university further said that the slogans raised during the protest showed direct contempt for the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, especially in light of the recent judicial order.

Officials said the FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and an investigation is underway to identify the students involved. The administration said it had verified the incident before approaching the police.

JNU warned that students found guilty could face strict disciplinary action, including suspension, expulsion, and permanent debarment from the university. It said maintaining discipline and academic integrity on campus was a priority.

The administration reiterated that JNU has always been a space for debate and discussion but stressed that there must be clear boundaries. It said protests should not turn into acts that promote hatred or challenge constitutional values.

“Universities are meant to encourage critical thinking and dialogue, not to spread hatred or engage in unlawful behaviour,” the statement added.

The incident has once again brought national focus on JNU, which has often been at the centre of political and student activism. However, the administration said it is committed to ensuring that the campus remains a safe and lawful academic environment.

JNU concluded by saying that while students are free to express their opinions peacefully, any action that crosses legal or ethical limits will invite firm action from the university authorities.