The high court on Tuesday refused to stay the rustication of two JNU students accused of sedition for the controversial February 9 event. Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya had moved the high court, challenging their rustication by the varsity.

Based on the findings of a high-level inquiry committee, the university rusticated Mr Khalid for one semester and Mr Bhattacharya till July 15.

Mr Khalid was slapped with a fine of Rs 20,000, while Mr Bhattacharya has been barred from the JNU campus for five years from July 23.

Acting on the pleas of Mr Khalid and Mr Bhattacharya, Justice Manmohan issued a notice to the university, seeking its response and recorded the statement made by the varsity’s lawyer that date of deposit of the fine by Mr Khalid shall be extended till May 30, the next date of hearing.

The judge refused to pass any other interim order, including staying of the JNU’s decision of April 25 as was sought by the petitioners, saying he will have to inspect the records to see whether proper procedure was followed by the varsity for holding the inquiry.

“Have to see the records to ascertain whether fair procedure was followed. You are pleading ignorance of all facts, so I have to see the records,” Justice Manmohan said and directed the varsity to bring all the relevant records on the next date.