The 40-strong group stormed the courthouse on Monday and attacked students, teachers and journalists, injuring at least six. The mob appeared to be protesting perceived anti-national sentiment at JNU, accusing the students and teachers present to support Mr Kumar of being 'anti-India' and 'pro-Pakistan'. They also reportedly snatched the phones of reporters present and ordered them to leave the courtroom, injuring at least two journalists. 'You [JNU] produce anti-nationals and terrorists. You should get out of the country. Long live India, shut down the JNU,' chanted the group as it entered the courtroom. Though the men involved in the violent protest were dressed in lawyers' robes, it has not been confirmed that they were in fact lawyers.

Sedition charge sparks controversy

Delhi Police arrested and charged Mr Kumar with sedition last week, sparking widespread student agitation at JNU. A police raid on the JNU campus followed reports that Mr Kumar had shouted anti-national slogans at a meeting commemorating the execution of Parliament attack convict and Kashmiri seperatist Afzal Guru. The sedition charge has been widely criticised by JNU faculty, students and politicians outside of India's right-wing BJP party, with some arguing that labeling student dissent as 'sedition' is a threat to Indian democracy. A video circulating on YouTube reportedly shows one BJP politician taking part in the violence at Patiala House. Sources:  The Financial Express; The Indian Express; Hindustan Times; Hindustan Times (2)