RGNUL students call off five-day protest

Ravneet Singh
Tribune News Service
Patiala, March 19

The five-day protest at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) was on Tuesday called off after prolonged deliberations between a committee constituted by the university chancellor and Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Krishna Murari and student representatives.

The protesting students and committee members came to a consensus on all four demands of the students.

Earlier, Punjab Advocate General Atul Nanda met protesting students.

Nanda deliberated with the authorities even as exams to be held at 3 pm were rescheduled.

Their demands included revocation of suspension of six students, permanent removal of Administrative Officer SP Singh, formation of a student body on campus and changes in entry and exit timings for the students.

The students earlier said they do not have trust in the administration of the university, stating that they have earlier been “lied to and misled”.

The advocate general took an assurance from the students that they should not have any difference of opinion if the committee decides on unconditional revocation of suspension of the students. The students expressed that the administrative officer SP Singh had allegedly issued “vile” statements and demanded his removal. The AG said there should not be any gender discrimination. He said, “The officer in question has rights. We will follow the procedure and take a decision.”

On the students’ expression that they are targeted if they raise voice against the administration of the university, Nanda assured to them that there will not be any action against the students.

They questioned the procedure followed for suspension of the students to which the AG apologised and said, “Before you bring the matter to me, I apologise for it.”

The students decided on five representatives from amongst them to accompany the AG for the meeting.