JNU warns against screening of BBC documentary on PM Modi on campus

The JNU administration has said that such "unauthorized activity" may "disturb peace and harmony" of the University campus. Moreover no prior permission has been taken for the event, it added.

New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration Monday issued a stern warning against the screening of the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi (titled India: The Modi Question) which is mired in controversy. The university administration has also said that strict action will be taken against the students who defy the order. This comes after a group of students released a pamphlet for the screening of the documentary on Tuesday.

According to an advisory issued by the JNU administration, the group of students did not seek permission for the screening of the BBC documentary from the administration. Such "unauthorized activity" may "disturb peace and harmony" of the University campus, the advisory read.

"It has come to the notice of the administration that a group of students have in the name of JNUSU released a pamphlet for screening a documentary/movie "India: The Modi Question" scheduled for 24th January, 2023 at 9:00 p.m. in Teflas," the advisory said. "No prior permission for this event has been taken from the JNU Administration. This is to emphasize that such an unauthorized activity may disturb peace and harmony of the University Campus," it added.

"The concerned students/individuals are firmly advised to cancel the proposed programme immediately, failing which strict disciplinary action may be initiated as per the University rules. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority," it said.

Earlier last week, the Indian government described the BBC documentary series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'propaganda piece' designed to push a discredited narrative. The Central government has already banned the screening of the documentary in the country.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We think this is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias and lack of objectivity and frankly continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible." In another development, around 300 eminent Indians, including retired judges, bureaucrats, and armed forces veterans signed a statement that slammed the British national broadcaster for showing "unrelenting prejudice" towards India.