Punjab: National University Of Law Students Protest 'Wrongful' Suspension Of 6 Students

The students of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala have been protesting against the college administration. The protests began on March 15 after the “arbitrary and wrongful” suspension of six hostelites. These six hostelites were allegedly suspended for raising voice against the quality of food being served. The suspension order was passed by Administrative officer SP Singh. As per the latest update, students have boycotted the mid-semester examinations which began on Monday.

Students protesting ‘wrongful’ suspension

The protesting students are contesting that the eviction of the six students was ‘wrongful’ as it was done in the absence of Vice Chancellor Paramjit Jaswal. The students also claimed that no proper hearing took place.

pic.twitter.com/r2HgQiXWcb

— RGNUL STUDENT COUNCIL (@CouncilRgnul) March 17, 2019

The students protesting the suspension issued a statement, claiming that the suspended students “were subject to degrading treatment constituting a deprivation of their Right to Privacy”, as reported by LiveLaw. Reportedly, the mobile phone of a suspended student was also confiscated by the administration.

As reported by The Tribune, the suspended students were purportedly thrown out of the university and they had to spend the night of March 15 outside the university premises. The suspension came just three days before the mid-semester exams. The students, however, were allowed to take their exams as per the suspension order. They were asked to enter campus 30 minutes prior to the examination and leave campus within 15 minutes.

Into the 40th Hour of protest here at RGNUL. Today we've come out and assembled just outside the university gate, symbolising the nationwide outbreak of our protest. We've received national media coverage and are constantly receiving support from our fellow NLUs. #JusticeForRGNUL pic.twitter.com/VGqac1H3m7

— Abhilash Pattnaik (@abhilashpatt) March 17, 2019

What began as a protest against the suspension of students, snowballed into a greater issue with students outlining broader areas of concern. They raised issues like that of lack of transparency in administration, sexist remarks of administrators, restriction on the mobility of girl students and incompetent faculty among many other issues.

These students have helplessly seen their civil rights been thrown to the dogs, ever since the inception of the University. Now they want justice. #justiceforRGNUL #RGNUL pic.twitter.com/vA1oEihsyX

— RGNUL STUDENT COUNCIL (@CouncilRgnul) March 17, 2019

Rapid Action Force deputed on campus

A Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deputed on the campus on March 15 during the peaceful protest. The RAF team was seen carrying heavy ammunitions into the campus, Bar and Bench reported.

Police gathering around the college for peaceful protests. #nhrc @NHRCOFINDIA @capt_amarinder @htTweets @timesofindia @LiveLawIndia @LiveLawIndia @barandbench pic.twitter.com/JtRiWpAB1v

— RGNUL STUDENT COUNCIL (@CouncilRgnul) March 18, 2019

Incidentally, the mass demonstration which took place in front of the university guest house on the night of March 15 prompted a response from two judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court. The protesting students were told that Chancellor Justice Krishna Murari had agreed to constitute a committee to look into the matter.

Justice Murari was supposed to meet the agitating students. However, later Justice Mahesh Grover, the third senior-most judge of Punjab and Haryana HC held discussions with protesting students. In the absence of a written assurance, the students decided to continue with the protest.

The student bodies of several universities like the RGNUL Alumni association, NLUs Students Consortium and Student Bar Association, NLSIU, among many others have extended statement of solidarity towards the students.

Also Read: 11 Students Who Led Protests In BHU Against Sexual Harassment Debarred From Taking Up Any Course In The University In Future