New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) found itself at the centre of a social media storm on Tuesday, vehemently disavowing a “totally fake” notification that had been widely circulated, purportedly outlining stringent restrictions for students during the holy month of Ramadan. The spurious document, which chillingly warned of forced marriages for male and female students seen together on campus, prompted the university to lodge a formal complaint with the police cyber security branch.
The fabricated notice, designed to mimic an official university communique, bore the letterhead of Jamia Millia Islamia and was dated February 20. Its content reads, “It is hereby to inform that during the Holy month of Ramadan, standing together in couple (boy & girl) is strictly prohibited!”
The fake directive went even further, threatening drastic consequences for any perceived transgression. “If any couple is found standing together, their nikkah will be arranged immediately. In the event of violation, the couple will be responsible for arranging their own Walima.” The term ‘nikkah’ refers to the Islamic way of getting married, while ‘walima’ is the post-marriage feast.
The deceptive document was attributed to the university’s office of registrar and academic branch, even featuring what appeared to be the signatures of senior officials. According to numerous students, the unsettling notification quickly spread through various WhatsApp groups, causing confusion and concern across the campus community.
Responding swiftly to the escalating situation, the university administration issued an unequivocal clarification, stating that the notice “is totally fake and no such notification has been issued by the university authorities.” The statement condemned the action, asserting that the document had been intentionally circulated “to malign the image of the university.”
To address the malicious act and prevent further spread of misinformation, Jamia Millia Islamia confirmed that it has initiated legal action, lodging a complaint with the police cyber cell to investigate the origins of the forged document.