New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has cancelled the booking of an auditorium for a planned book discussion centered on ‘Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power,’ authored by imprisoned activist Umar Khalid. The cancellation, issued on Sunday, August 9, 2026, cites “non-disclosure of the full facts about the program” as the reason for revoking the venue permission. The event, organized by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU), was scheduled to take place on August 10, 2026, at the School of Social Sciences-I (SSS-I) auditorium.
The Chenab Times has learned that the university’s official statement on X (formerly Twitter) indicated that while permission was initially granted by the Dean of the School of Social Sciences, the booking was subsequently cancelled by the Dean himself. The university, in its statement, described itself as a “democratic and decentralised institution” and asserted that the cancellation was due to the applicant’s failure to disclose complete details of the program when requesting the venue. The JNUSU, however, has strongly condemned the administration’s decision, labelling it as an “arbitrary and authoritarian” attempt to suppress academic freedom and dissent.
The book in question is based on Umar Khalid’s PhD thesis from JNU’s Centre for Historical Studies. Khalid, a former student leader, has been in jail since September 2020 in connection with a conspiracy case related to the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots and is awaiting trial. The discussion was planned to coincide with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, also known as Vishva Adivasi Diwas. The event poster indicated that speakers were to include Professors Prabhu Mahapatra and Uma Chakravarti, writer and journalist Shuddhabrata Sengupta, social activist Harsh Mander, and scholar Banojyotsna Lahiri.
According to reports, the JNU administration stated that the permission letter described the event as a “Public Talk for Adivasi Diwas (Book Discussion)” but did not explicitly mention that the discussion would focus on Umar Khalid’s book. The university’s official X handle later clarified this omission as the basis for the cancellation. This explanation, however, has been met with skepticism by the JNUSU. In response to the cancellation, the JNUSU general secretary confirmed that the event would proceed as planned at an alternative venue, which would be announced separately. The union also alleged that the administration provided no specific reason initially, and that the subsequent communication citing incomplete disclosure was a manufactured pretext for censorship.
The JNUSU has further criticized the administration for perceived double standards, drawing a comparison with the approval and support extended for ISKCON events on campus. They argue that cancelling a book discussion while allowing religious programs demonstrates a biased approach and an effort to stifle critical thought and dissenting voices. The union reiterated that book discussions are a fundamental aspect of academic culture and democratic engagement, essential for the free exchange of ideas within a university setting.
The original venue for the discussion was the SSS-I auditorium, scheduled from 3 PM to 6 PM on August 10. Following the cancellation, the JNUSU stated that the discussion would be held in an open-air space outside the SSS-II building, emphasizing that the event would proceed as scheduled despite the administrative hurdles. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the JNU administration and student bodies regarding the organization of events and the nature of academic discourse on campus.
Context of the Book and Umar Khalid
Umar Khalid’s book, ‘Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power,’ delves into the historical narratives and political struggles of Adivasi communities. Based on his doctoral research, the book examines issues of identity, resistance, and the complexities of power dynamics that have shaped indigenous populations in India. Khalid, who has been a prominent figure in student activism, has been under judicial custody since September 2020, facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in relation to the Delhi riots case. His prolonged incarceration, with the trial yet to commence, has been a subject of significant debate and legal challenges.
The JNUSU’s strong reaction to the cancellation underscores their belief in the importance of open academic dialogue. They contend that such discussions are vital for a robust university environment and for fostering critical thinking among students. The union’s commitment to proceeding with the event, albeit at a different location, signals their determination to uphold principles of academic freedom and expression in the face of administrative restrictions.
The recurring instances of disputes over event permissions and content at JNU reflect a broader national discourse on academic freedom, dissent, and the role of universities in society. The cancellation of this book discussion has reignited calls for greater transparency and adherence to democratic principles in the administration of educational institutions. The JNUSU has also noted the university’s tagging of high-ranking government officials, including the Prime Minister and Home Minister, in their official post about the cancellation, viewing it as an attempt to escalate the issue beyond the campus.
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