Patiala, 7 October 2024: Around 42 law students at the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) have begun an indefinite hunger strike, demanding action against Vice Chancellor Jai Shankar.
The students allege that during his unannounced visit to the girls’ hostel on September 22, he violated the privacy of female students.
The protesters expressed grave concerns for their safety, stating, “If anything happens to us — in the backdrop of students on the hunger strike — authorities of RGNUL and the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court will be responsible for it.”
The controversy erupted following the Vice Chancellor’s visit, which students claim involved him entering their rooms without prior notice and questioning their choice of clothing.
In response, VC Jai Shankar denied the allegations, asserting that his visit aimed to address complaints of overcrowding in the hostel and was conducted alongside female staff members.
One protesting student said: “We have been protesting since September 22. Nobody seems to be bothered to solve the issue. We have been compelled to start a hunger strike. Our genuine demands have been ignored, and we are being threatened by the authorities to call off the protest.”
