At least two JNU students have been issued "warning letters" for writing texts on walls and roads inside the campus demanding action against professor Atul Johri, who is facing sexual harassment charges, prompting angry reaction from the students union which termed it as "intimidation" tactics.
Chief Proctor of the varsity Kaushal Kumar issued a "warning letter" to the students on April 9 which said, "It has been alleged that you were involved in writing 'Suspend Johri' on road in front of School of Physical Sciences on March 27 at 6 pm. You are hereby warned and advised to be careful in future. You must restrain yourself from such activities that violate norms of discipline."
JNU's rules of discipline of students says involvement in any of the following would attract punishment, "Use of abusive, defamatory, derogatory or intimidatory language against any member of the varsity community. Damaging or defacing, in any form any property of the university or the property of any member of the varsity community. Any other act which may be considered by the VC or any other competent authority to be an act of violation of discipline and conduct."
JNU Students Union President Geeta Kumari said, "This is clear case of intimidating students who are standing with eight girl students who have come out to report sexual harassment by the professor. It has been JNU culture to paint and write texts on campus on various issues. Administration issuing warning letter for this case clearly shows how they are protecting him."