A major protest has erupted at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala, where students have launched a sit-in demanding the resignation of Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) Jai Shankar. The protests come in the wake of serious allegations against the Vice Chancellor, who, according to students, entered the girls’ hostel without prior notice or consent, under the pretext of conducting an inspection. This action has caused widespread outrage on campus, particularly concerning issues of privacy and trust between students and the administration.
Students allege that the Vice Chancellor’s inspection of the hostel rooms was conducted abruptly, with no official communication or announcement beforehand. This lack of transparency has sparked concerns among the students, especially the female residents of the hostel, who felt their privacy was violated. The protesters argue that such an intrusive inspection, without the requisite permissions or any prior notice, has caused a sense of fear and mistrust, prompting them to demand immediate action. “We are calling for accountability and transparency,” one of the protesting students stated, adding that their primary demand is the resignation of the Vice Chancellor.
The protest, which started peacefully, has gained significant traction, with more students joining in solidarity. Students have voiced their concerns through placards, slogans, and public speeches, urging the university administration to address the issue promptly. They argue that such incidents not only highlight the lack of proper protocol within the institution but also raise larger questions about student safety and respect for personal space. Some protesters emphasized that this is not an isolated issue but part of a broader problem of poor communication and disregard for student rights at the university.Despite the growing unrest, the university administration has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the students’ demands. While some reports suggest that a meeting between student representatives and university officials may be on the horizon, no concrete steps have been taken so far to resolve the matter. Until then, the students have vowed to continue their sit-in, stating that they will not back down until their demand for the Vice Chancellor’s resignation is met. As tensions rise, the campus remains a hotbed of discontent, with students determined to hold the administration accountable for what they view as a serious breach of trust.
