Why are law students at RGNUL protesting?

• Vice-Chancellor Professor Jai Shankar Singh allegedly entered the girls’ hostel without prior notice, violating students’ privacy.
• Students view this incident as the last straw in a series of grievances that have caused the VC to lose “their mandate.”
• The protests began on September 22, 2024, demanding strengthened campus security, the establishment of a students’ association for improved representation, and the implementation of comprehensive academic reforms.
• Singh denied the allegations, stating that his visit was “at their invitation.”
• Students also alleged that Singh made sexist and insensitive remarks since his appointment in March.
• Negotiations between the protesting students and the University administration have repeatedly failed to reach a consensus.
• Three faculty members of the nine-member committee constituted to facilitate discussions with the students have resigned without explanation.
• Students reported that they have been protesting in sweltering heat and adverse weather conditions, with some even losing consciousness and requiring medical attention.
• The administration contacted their parents to stifle the protests, warning them that their children could face expulsion if they continued to agitate.
• This is not the first student-led protest that RGNUL has witnessed. In 2019, approximately 400 students agreed to end a five-day indefinite sit-in only after the administration committed to revoking the suspension of six students who had advocated for improved hostel food, enhanced library access for women, and the removal of discriminatory curfew restrictions in the girls’ hostel.
• Female students have also voiced concerns regarding inadequate security measures.
• Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reportedly taken cognisance of the students’ grievances and assured them of prompt action.