Registrar Anand Pawar of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct. The suspension order, issued by the Vice-Chancellor, also accuses Pawar of bigamy, cruelty toward his first wife, and violations of the university’s post-doctoral regulations, among other charges. This decision comes as his actions face increased scrutiny, affecting his role in the institution. Further investigations are likely to take place.
Dr. Anand Pawar, the Registrar of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala, has been suspended due to allegations of sexual harassment, academic and administrative misconduct, and financial irregularities.
According to the suspension order issued by RGNUL Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jai Shankar Singh, Pawar faces serious accusations including bigamy, cruelty towards his first wife, violations of post-doctoral regulations, and misuse of his position as Registrar.
The order highlights that in 2014, Pawar’s first wife filed a criminal case against him under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code for cruelty. Furthermore, a 2023 ruling by the Madhya Pradesh High Court prohibits Pawar from remarrying. Despite this, he reportedly entered into a second marriage with an Associate Professor at RGNUL, with whom he is said to be living on campus.
Pawar also faces sexual harassment allegations from an Assistant Professor, who challenged the decision of the University’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in the Punjab & Haryana High Court. The court ruled in favor of the complainant, ordering Pawar to pay Rs. 3 lakh.
The suspension order claims that Pawar exploited his role as Registrar and directing Vice-Chancellor during 2020-21 and 2023-24. He allegedly misappropriated resources and benefits for himself by proposing agenda items in Finance Committee and Executive Council meetings that served his interests, such as a special allowance and the allocation of the VIP Guest House as his residence.
Moreover, while serving as Registrar, he supervised PhD candidates in violation of RGNUL regulations, which stipulate that only full-time regular faculty can act as supervisors. During his time as directing Vice-Chancellor, he also transferred candidates without their previous supervisor’s consent to his second wife, who is an Associate Professor at the university.
The order emphasizes that these actions flout RGNUL Regulations and the Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1966, stating,
“Your conduct is against decency and morality and involves moral turpitude. Your conduct lacks integrity and is unbecoming to hold such a high office.”
To prevent potential evidence tampering, Pawar has been restricted from seeking other employment or leaving the area without prior written permission, and a comprehensive inquiry into additional allegations of financial, administrative, and academic misconduct is mandated.
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