RGNUL VC row: Punjab State Women Commission writes to President; recommends VC's removal

New Delhi [India], September 27 : Punjab State Women Commission Raj Lali Gill on Thursday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu recommending the immediate removal of the Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Prof Jai Shankar Singh, following the allegations that he violated the privacy of female students at their hostel during his visit.
"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' cognizance 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," stated the letter to the President.
The protest was sparked by the VC's unannounced entry into the girls' hostel, prompting students to voice concerns about his behavior, including derogatory comments and discouragement of extracurricular activities.
"...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 should be taken 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..." said Gill.
"On 25th September 2024, the Commission visited the university and met with the university authorities, the district administration, and the affected students. This visit was in response to an incident that occurred on 22nd September 2024, where the Vice-Chancellor conducted an unannounced inspection of the girls' hostel without prior intimation to the hostel warden and the students. During this inspection, he not only entered the rooms of the female students but also made inappropriate and derogatory remarks regarding their attire, suggesting they should not wear certain types of clothes," the letter," the letter added.
Gill, Chairperson of the Punjab State Commission for Women, visited the campus of RGNUL to hear students' grievances about the VC's unsolicited entry into the girls' hostel building and allegations of misogynistic and sexist remarks uttered by him.
"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," said the letter.
The state's Human Rights Commission has also filed a complaint against Singh, demanding action and protection of the privacy rights of female students. "From the circumstances, it appears to be a violation of fundamental rights of the female students and this Commission takes cognisance of the same and the inquiry of the same be marked to the Deputy Commissioner Patiala, who may look into the same and submit his report before the next date of hearing," read the order from the Commission.
Student protest at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law in Patiala continued for the fifth day on Thursday. Students have been demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Jai Shankar Singh, alleging that he violated the privacy of female students at their hostel during his visit.
Meanwhile, the university has announced that it will open today, 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 time table," RGNUL said in an official notice.