John Brittas seeks President’s intervention as JNU students’ hunger strike enters 17th day
John Brittas along with a group of people with national flags seen at Connaught Place on October 16, 2026 | Photo credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has sought the intervention of President Droupadi Murma and Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on the JNU students’ indefinite hunger strike, which entered its 17th day on Monday (October 19, 2026), citing the deteriorating health of the participants.
In letters written on Sunday (October 18), Mr Brittas sought withdrawal of rusticated orders against elected representatives of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU), withdrawal of alleged objectionable provisions of the Chief Procurator’s Office (CPO) Handbook and speedy resolution of student grievances.
In a post on X, Mr. Brittas said, “The JNU students’ indefinite hunger strike (is) now on its 17th day and the deteriorating health of the participants calls for immediate action.”
“As a former student of JNU, I am deeply concerned about the current situation. A university that has nurtured debate and dissent must not be punished. Its democratic traditions must be preserved and the voices of its students deserve to be heard, not silenced,” he said.
In his letter, Brittas said the hunger strike, which began on October 3, followed an alleged failure by the university administration to address “genuine and long-standing concerns of the student community.”
He said the rustication of the elected student union representatives, including the former JNUSU president, had raised serious concerns.
“The exclusion of elected representatives from the university directly affects the functioning of the student union and weakens the mechanism by which students collectively articulate their grievances,” he wrote.
Mr Brittas also raised concerns about the continued enforcement of the CPO Manual, which sets out fines and disciplinary measures for various forms of protest and assembly.
Recalling his years at JNU, he said that the university had long provided space for debates, discussions and democratic activities. He warned that disproportionate disciplinary measures could discourage students from making legitimate complaints for fear of reprisals.
He also highlighted outstanding concerns regarding gender justice, equal opportunities, admissions and basic campus amenities, saying the prolonged impasse has assumed serious proportions in view of the health risks to those on hunger strike.
Referring to the Jawaharlal Nehru University Act of 1966, Mr. Brittas said the legislation listed social justice, secularism and a democratic way of life among the university’s core principles. The Act designates the President as the Visitor of the University.
He urged President Murma to intervene under Section 8 of the Act and take appropriate steps to cancel the rustication orders, withdraw the alleged objectionable provisions of the CPO manual and urgently resolve the pending grievances of the students.
Published – 19 Oct 2026 18:44 IST