Female students at Rajiv Gandhi University of Law are protesting against Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jai Shankar Singh's unannounced visit to their hostel, which they claim is a breach of their privacy. The incident has sparked widespread complaints about safety and lack of representation, leading to an indefinite sit-in protest by the students. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured the students of prompt action and the State Women's Commission has recommended the immediate removal of Prof. Singh.
National Law University, Delhi Student Protest
Background:
National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) is a prestigious law school in India, known for its academic excellence and student activism. In recent years, the university has been marred by allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct, and administrative irregularities.
Current Incident:
On November 7, 2023, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jai Shankar Singh made an unannounced visit to the female students' hostel at NLU Delhi. Students allege that this visit violated their privacy and safety. The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests among the female students, who felt threatened and unsafe.
Student Protests:
In response, the female students launched an indefinite sit-in protest, demanding the resignation of Prof. Singh and an independent investigation into the alleged misconduct. They also raised concerns about the lack of representation for female students in the university's governing bodies and the absence of proper mechanisms to address sexual harassment complaints.
Government Response:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, under whose jurisdiction NLU Delhi falls, assured the students of prompt action. The State Women's Commission recommended the immediate removal of Prof. Singh, pending an inquiry.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations:
Prof. Singh has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that his visit to the hostel was not intended to infringe on the students' privacy. However, the students have submitted a petition to the National Human Rights Commission, alleging that he had made inappropriate remarks and threatened them.
FAQs:
1. Why are female students at NLU Delhi protesting? They are protesting the Vice-Chancellor's unannounced visit to their hostel, which they allege violated their privacy.
2. What are the other concerns raised by the students? They have also expressed concerns about sexual harassment, lack of representation, and inadequate safety measures in the university.
3. What action has the government taken? Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured students of prompt action, and the State Women's Commission has recommended the Vice-Chancellor's removal.
4. What is the Vice-Chancellor's response to the allegations? He has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that his visit to the hostel was not intended to infringe on the students' privacy.
5. What happened in the past at NLU Delhi regarding sexual harassment and misconduct? NLU Delhi has faced previous allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, including a case in 2021 where a professor was found guilty of sexual harassment by the university's Internal Complaints Committee.
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