RGNUL Patiala Protest: Students demand VC’s resignation, politicians extend support

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) students have been protesting for over three days, demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Professor Jai Shankar Singh and a thorough probe. The students, who began their sit-in protest on September 22, allege that the Vice Chancellor entered girls’ hostel rooms without consent and made indecent comments on their dress.

On the fourth day of protests, students claimed that influential people and some teaching faculty members were pressuring them to back off. However, Punjab Women Commission chairperson Raj Lali Gill assured students of a thorough investigation, saying, “We will form a committee with student representatives, university functionaries, and faculty members to conduct a fact-finding probe.”

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi condemned the incident, stating, “It’s extremely shameful that the Vice Chancellor entered girls’ rooms without informing them and made indecent comments.” Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains sought a report from the registrar and assured students that justice would be delivered.

Other politicians, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, former Union Minister Preneet Kaur and Patiala MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, have expressed support for the students, demanding a commission of inquiry and the Vice Chancellor’s resignation.