NEW DELHI: Fourteen students, including three office-bearers of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU), were released from Tihar Jail late Sunday night after a court granted them bail in connection with the February 26 “Long March” protest at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Student organisations described the development as an important victory for the ongoing campus movement.
Those released included JNUSU President Aditi, Vice President Gopika, Joint Secretary Danish, former President Nitesh Kumar, AISA All India President Neha, and other student activists. On February 26, the students’ union organised a march across the campus to protest what they termed arbitrary and discriminatory policies of the university administration.
Student groups said the protest was driven by long-pending grievances, including alleged caste-based remarks, rustication of student leaders, and demands for equality and social justice. The situation escalated during the march despite the presence of police and the Rapid Action Force, leading to the arrest of 14 students. Protesters alleged that excessive force was used to suppress the demonstration.
After hearing the case, the Patiala House Court granted bail to the arrested students. However, their release was delayed due to verification of permanent addresses, during which they remained in judicial custody and were lodged in Tihar Jail.
Following their release, student leaders termed the development a win for democratic rights and the student movement. They reiterated their commitment to continue mobilising until their demands are met. These include the implementation of UGC equity regulations, enactment of the proposed ‘Rohith Act’, withdrawal of revised curricula under the new education policy, revocation of rustication orders against student leaders, and the resignation of the V-C.