Delhi HC recognises students' right to dissent; quashes fine on JNU protesters
Delhi High Court has quashed disciplinary action against 8 Jawaharlal Nehru University students who were fined ₹19,000 each for allegedly supporting a protest against vandalisation of a Facial Recognition Technology system.
Justice Jasmeet Singh ruled that the students, who were seen "smiling at the protestors," had not committed any act of indiscipline. The Court recognised students' right to "express dissent, demonstrate, and express support by way of cheering" as a valuable constitutional right.
The students had challenged a show-cause notice issued on 15 January 2026 and subsequent office orders imposing the fine. The Court stayed recovery of the fine pending further proceedings, finding that the petitioners had made out a prima facie case for interim relief.
