Punjab Law Varsity VC faces protests over alleged privacy violations during inspection

A large protest took place at the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala on Sunday evening. Students accused the vice chancellor (VC), Jai Shankar, of invading their privacy during an inspection of the girls' hostel. Female students claimed he questioned them about their choice of clothing. In response to these allegations, the VC denied any wrongdoing, stating he visited the hostel to address overcrowding issues.

Students' concerns

Hundreds of students held a sit-in outside the VC’s residence on campus, calling the alleged privacy violations unacceptable. A student, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that the VC entered their rooms without consent and questioned them for wearing shorts. She pointed out that university rules prohibit even parents from entering the hostel rooms to maintain students' privacy and dignity.

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The protesting students demanded the university take immediate and strict measures to ensure their privacy is respected and that such incidents do not occur again. They emphasized that the safety and well-being of students should be the top priority of any educational institution.

In an interview, VC Jai Shankar explained that he went to the girls' hostel to address complaints about overcrowding due to the university admitting more female students this year. He said he was accompanied by a female student and the hostel superintendent, a senior faculty member. During his visit, he inspected 20 rooms, as the students themselves invited him in to discuss their concerns.

Jai Shankar firmly rejected the claims that he questioned students about their clothing, calling the allegations "completely baseless." He added that he is over 60 years old and would never misbehave with students, whom he considers like his granddaughters. The VC expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with the protesting students to resolve the matter amicably.