Aarohi Girish Dhumale
The month-long protest at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala has finally concluded on 20th October which was followed by a compromise between the students and the administration.
The Student’s protests were conducted due to the visit of RGNUL Vice Chancellor Jai Shankar in the girls’ hostel without prior notice or consent. The students had called for the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation, an unconditional apology from him, and the establishment of an RGNUL Student Bar Association to more effectively represent their interests.
Students also raised concerns about the university’s facilities and the administration’s policies. Chancellor of RGNUL and Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana, Sheel Nagu, had previously instructed that the dispute be resolved through mediation. The students demanded the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation, an unconditional apology from him, and the creation of an RGNUL Student Bar to better represent their interests.
On October 20, a Mutual Agreement was finally reached between Student Representatives and the Mediation Committee formed by the Chancellor. This Agreement established the RGNUL Student Bar Council which the Vice-Chancellor approved the RGNUL Student Bar Council. An interim committee was formed democratically to draft its Constitution. Other demands like improvements to the university library, revamping the placement cell, and creating a reimbursement policy for moot and ADR competitions, among others were made by the students.