![[RGNUL Protest] Students Write to Chancellor Demanding Resignation of Vice-Chancellor Over Inappropriate Remarks & Unexpected Visit to Girls' Hostel](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-424.png?fit=820%2C461&ssl=1)
Student protests at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala, continue for the third day, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jai S Singh over allegations of inappropriate conduct towards female students. A letter to various authorities details complaints, including an unexpected visit to the girls’ hostel and derogatory remarks about their attire and academic choices.
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PATIALA: Student protests at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala, have entered their third consecutive day, with students demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jai S Singh. The protests erupted following a series of allegations against the Vice-Chancellor, who has been accused of inappropriate conduct, particularly in relation to female students.
In a detailed letter addressed to several authorities, including the Chancellor and Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court, the University Grants Commission (UGC), the National Commission for Women (NCW), and the Chief Justice of India, students outlined their grievances against Prof. Singh. The letter highlighted multiple instances of alleged inappropriate behavior, including a surprise visit to the girls’ hostel, during which the Vice-Chancellor reportedly made derogatory remarks about female students’ attire and their academic choices.
The controversy centers around the Vice-Chancellor’s unexpected visit to the girls’ hostel on September 22, an incident that has sparked outrage among the student body. According to the letter, during the visit, a video that circulated on social media showed Prof. Singh inspecting the rooms of female hostel inmates. The footage further reveals female students objecting to his presence. In response, the Vice-Chancellor can be heard assuring the students that he was not alone during the inspection, saying he was accompanied by a female warden. However, the students argue that the visit was invasive and non-consensual.
One particularly disturbing allegation in the letter refers to an incident where a student was questioned by Prof. Singh immediately after she had returned from the shower. The letter points out that the student was not given adequate time to dress appropriately before being addressed by the Vice-Chancellor.
Prof. Singh’s Response
The Vice-Chancellor explained that his visit to the girls’ hostel was prompted by complaints from some of the female hostel inmates regarding the quality of the mess food and other amenities in the hostel. He added that during the inspection, he was accompanied by the hostel warden to ensure transparency.
Addressing the student protests on Sunday evening, Prof. Singh attempted to alleviate concerns, stating-
“I view all female students as my granddaughters.”
He also issued an apology in an effort to quell the protests. However, his apology was not accepted by the protesting students, who have continued to demand his resignation.
The letter sent by the students also criticizes the university administration for its failure to address their concerns in a timely manner. According to the letter, instead of taking the students’ grievances seriously, the administration decided to close the university on September 23.
In addition to the allegations surrounding the hostel visit, the letter mentions other troubling instances of behavior by the Vice-Chancellor. It states that Prof. Singh made impromptu visits to classrooms and the library, during which he allegedly made discouraging remarks about the students’ academic efforts and co-curricular activities.
In light of these incidents, the students have put forward several demands. Chief among them is the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jai S Singh, along with an unconditional apology for his actions. Furthermore, the students are calling for the formation of an RGNUL Student Bar Association, a body they believe would better represent their interests and act as a bridge between the students and the administration.
The protests have not been limited to verbal expressions of dissatisfaction. Students have placed posters and decorations around the RGNUL campus in an effort to raise awareness of their grievances. These materials were soon removed by the administration, a move that has only deepened the students’ frustrations.
To address the rising concerns, the university formed a special committee to investigate and address the students’ issues. However, this effort seems to have faltered, as three faculty members have already resigned from the committee, signaling internal disagreements or dissatisfaction with the way the administration is handling the situation.
Despite the escalating situation, students continue to protest under challenging conditions. They have been protesting under the sun for hours, and according to reports, their access to washrooms and the administrative block has been restricted. This has added another layer of hardship to the already tense situation, as students feel their basic needs are being compromised.
Additionally, students claim that both the Vice-Chancellor and the administration have made attempts to undermine the protest. According to the protesting students, there have been efforts to reach out to their parents and senior students in an attempt to dissuade them from participating in the demonstrations. Such actions have further fueled the students’ resolve, with many feeling that the administration is attempting to intimidate them into backing down.
As of now, it remains to be seen how the administration will respond to the students’ demands and whether the formation of a student bar association will become a reality. However, one thing is clear: the students of RGNUL Patiala are determined to see change and will continue their protests until their voices are heard and their demands met.