Punjab women's commission demands removal of RGNUL Vice-Chancellor over privacy violation allegations
- In Reports
- 11:16 AM, Sep 27, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Punjab State Women Commission has called for the immediate removal of the Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Prof. Jai Shankar Singh, following allegations of privacy violations against female students at the university’s hostel. Chairperson Raj Lali Gill addressed a letter to President Draupadi Murmu, urging for the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation.
“The Punjab State Women’s Commission, exercising its powers under ‘Section 10 of the Punjab State Women Commission Act, 2001,’ is mandated to take ‘Suo moto’ cognisance of matters concerning violations of women’s rights, dignity, and safety. In line with this mandate, the Commission has taken Suo moto notice of a recent incident involving the Vice-Chancellor of the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala, following media reports and student complaints,” Gill stated in her letter to the President.
The protest erupted after Vice-Chancellor Singh entered the girls’ hostel without prior notice, sparking outrage among students. They have accused him of making derogatory comments and discouraging extracurricular activities during his visit.
“The students are demanding that they will not stop the protest till the time when the VC is in charge. The students want the powers of the VC taken away and he should be asked to resign. Since the dialogue has failed and VC has not done anything after our intervention, I recommend that he should resign. I have written to President Droupadi Murmu and the copy has been given to the Chief Minister as well,” Gill said.
The Commission visited the university on September 25 and met with authorities, the district administration, and students affected by the incident, which occurred on September 22. The Vice-Chancellor reportedly entered the girls' rooms and made inappropriate comments about their clothing choices.
“This conduct has caused significant distress among the students and is viewed as a violation of their privacy and modesty. The Commission finds the Vice-Chancellor’s actions highly inappropriate and a clear overstep of his administrative role. His behaviour has led to serious concerns regarding the safety, dignity, and rights of the female students, and it has eroded their trust in the university’s leadership,” the letter added.
The Punjab State Human Rights Commission has also taken notice of the issue and filed a complaint against Singh. The Commission’s order stated, “From the circumstances, it appears to be a violation of fundamental rights of the female students, and this Commission takes cognisance of the same. The inquiry of the same is marked to the Deputy Commissioner Patiala, who may look into the same and submit his report before the next date of hearing.”
Student protests at RGNUL have entered their fifth day, with students continuing to demand Singh’s resignation. Meanwhile, the university has announced its reopening from September 27. “All the faculty and staff members are hereby informed that the university will reopen with effect from September 27, and classes shall be held as per the time table,” read an official notice.
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