Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students, who have been served show-cause notice to explain their alleged role in the controversial February 9 event, have decided to "not accept" the high-level inquiry committee report of the university and said they will send their reply accordingly.

On March 14, show-cause notices were issued to 21 students asking them to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them after the committee of the university found them guilty of "violating university norms and discipline rules."

The report has recommended rustication of 5 students including JNU Students' Union President Kanhaiya Kumar, Anirban Bhattacharya and Umar Khalid who are facing sedition charges.

Umar, Kanhaiya and Anirban were arrested on charges of sedition in connection with the programme. On March 3, Kanhaiya was released on bail from Tihar, while Anirban and Umar are still in judicial custody.

On Wednesday, JNU authorities extended the deadline for replying to the show-cause notice served to 18 March after the students wanted more time to seek legal opinion on the matter.

A senior university official said the final "quantum of punishment" for the students will be decided on the basis of response to the notices, the deadline for which was till Wednesday 5 pm.

The report, which was submitted on March 11, has pointed out lapses on part of the students as well as the administration.