Country waiting to hear constructive, alternative voice of JNU: Prasad

Union Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday said that the Jawaharlal Nehru University has an eloquent, powerful, constructive and alternative voice, which the country is eagerly waiting to hear.

"Jawaharlal Nehru University is a very premier institution of India.widely respected also. It has produced outstanding civil servants, great academicians and also well-known public figures. Its faculty and students also excel well. We all think that there is also a very eloquent, powerful and constructive alternative voice in the JNU. The country is equally eager to hear that voice," Prasad told the media here.

"The entire matter is under investigation. I have yesterday myself condemned what happened with the press people. Both are under investigation. I have nothing to comment, nor I need to comment," he added.

Condemning the JNU row, Congress leader R.P.N. Singh said it is extremely unfortunate that the journalists were thrashed by the lawyers.

"Is this democracy? Anyone who raises anti-national slogans must be probed. Those who raise voice against the BJP become anti-national?" he added.

Meanwhile, JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar, who was arrested on charges of sedition, is being produced before the Patiala House Court here under heavy security cover.

Kanhaiya is being produced before Metropolitan Magistrate Loveleen as his two-day police custody ends today.

High drama was witnessed at the Patiala House Court earlier in the day where two groups of lawyers were seen raising slogans inside the court premises and beating up each other including journalists.

Earlier, hearing the matter the apex court condemned Monday's attack on journalists in the Patiala House Court complex in connection with the JNU row.

The Supreme Court earlier ordered Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi to ensure security to the accused and limit the number of journalists to be present inside the court room to five.

"No other advocates other than that of accused and the prosecution will be present during the proceedings in court room. Only 25 reporters can stand outside," the apex court said.

Kumar was arrested last week for holding an event in the varsity campus during which anti-India slogans were allegedly raised.