On August 13, 2025, police detained several students during a protest at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

The demonstration, organized by Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU), alleged large-scale vote theft and disenfranchisement related to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR). According to the JNUSU, the SIR process excluded hundreds of thousands of voters, especially in the flood-prone and underprivileged districts of Bihar. Students and organizers claimed the disenfranchisement was an intentional attempt to influence electoral outcomes.

The protest was meant to begin at the main gate of JNU and continue to the Election Commission Office. Police detained JNUSU office bearers at the start of the protest and later manhandled and arrested those who had reached the Election Commission.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during an on-campus protest and detention of students for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3539948-student-leaders-detained-amidst-uproar-over-bihars-electoral-roll-revision
https://www.millenniumpost.in/delhi/protest-at-jnu-against-alleged-vote-theft-622851
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNSxsawxCtG/