RGNUL Students Protest VC’s Unannounced Hostel Visit, Demand Stricter Privacy Protocols

Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala, has become the epicenter of a student protest following a controversial incident involving Vice-Chancellor Singh. The incident revolves around an unannounced visit to the girls’ hostel by the Vice-Chancellor, without prior consent, and inappropriate remarks regarding the female students’ attire. The incident, captured on video, has triggered widespread outrage among the student body, who are calling the visit a violation of their privacy and rights. The Vice-Chancellor has since addressed the matter and issued an apology, but the students remain adamant about their concerns.

Protest Triggered by Unannounced Visit to Girls’ Hostel

• A video circulating on social media revealed that Vice-Chancellor Singh made a surprise visit to the girls’ hostel at RGNUL without prior notice or consent.
• In the footage, Singh is seen inspecting the hostel rooms of female students. When the students raised objections, Singh attempted to calm them by stating that he was not alone but was accompanied by a female warden.
• The students expressed their discomfort and outrage, emphasizing that the university rules prohibit even parents from entering the hostel premises without due permission.

Student Representation and Allegations

• The student body strongly condemned the non-consensual visit, calling it an infringement on their privacy.
• They raised the concern that no male—including the Vice-Chancellor—should be allowed to enter the hostel rooms of female students, regardless of whether a female faculty member or guard is present.
• The students have also pointed to the inappropriate comments made by Singh regarding the attire of some of the female students during the visit, further fueling their protest.

Response from Vice-Chancellor Singh

• Vice-Chancellor Singh, when contacted by Bar & Bench, explained the reasons for his visit, stating that it was prompted by complaints from female hostel inmates about the quality of mess food and hostel amenities.
• He added that the hostel’s female warden was present during the inspection and claimed that his intention was only to address the grievances of the students.
• In a statement addressing the protests later that evening, Singh remarked, “I view all the female students as my granddaughters,” and offered an unconditional apology for his actions.

Ongoing Protests and Demands

• Despite the apology, the student protests have continued, with the student body calling for more robust policies to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
• The students are demanding a formal acknowledgment of the violation of their privacy and more stringent rules governing who can access their private living spaces within the hostel.
• The controversy has brought to light the importance of ensuring safe and secure environments for students, particularly in hostels, where privacy is paramount.

Following the protest, a committee was constituted to address the grievances of the students, however no one appeared after which the University administration announced the closure of the University till further orders.