Shashi Tharoor called for a government-appointed commission to investigate the ongoing protests at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), also suggesting the Vice-Chancellor step down temporarily. His remarks, shared on X, criticized the recurring sexist comments towards women at the institution. Tharoor emphasized the need for a fair and transparent inquiry to address the students’ concerns and promote a respectful academic environment.
Patiala: In a recent development at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala, Punjab, where students have been protesting against the university’s vice-chancellor (VC), Indian National Congress (INC) MP Shashi Tharoor shared his concerns.
Tharoor voiced his thoughts on the matter through the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), drawing attention to what he called a “disgraceful pattern of sexist remarks on women.”
In his post, Tharoor stated,
“It’s disturbing to learn that RGNUL in Patiala has been shut down following students’ demands for the V-C’s resignation, triggered by a surprise midnight inspection of the girls’ hostel and repeated sexist comments towards women.”
He further remarked,
“It is shocking that the Vice Chancellor of a law university seems completely oblivious to his students’ constitutional right to privacy. The government should promptly appoint a commission of enquiry, and the VC should step aside until the findings are published.”
A large-scale protest broke out at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) on Sunday, September 22, as students accused the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Jai Shankar, of entering their rooms and questioning them about their clothing during a girls’ hostel inspection.
Hundreds of students have reportedly gathered outside the VC’s residence on campus to stage their protest.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor denied the accusations, stating that he visited the girls’ hostel to address complaints about overcrowding. He further described the allegations as “baseless.”
Tharoor’s call for an enquiry and the temporary removal of the VC aligns with the broader sentiment for accountability and respect for students’ rights within academic institutions.