Students at the National Law University, Tripura (NLUT) have raised serious concerns regarding safety and governance issues at the institution. In an anonymous letter dated September 14, the students addressed their grievances to the President of the Consortium of National Law Universities. Copies were also sent to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor (VC), the Bar Council of India (BCI), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Higher Education department of Tripura, with a request for a response within ten days.
VC Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Pratap Singh responded to the allegations, describing many of the concerns as “routine issues” that universities typically face. The students’ letter criticized the appointment of the current in-charge Registrar, Dr. Jayanta Dhar, questioning the statutory basis of his appointment, as he was previously an Assistant Professor. They also pointed out deficiencies in financial disclosures as per the Right to Information (RTI) Act and claimed that some faculty members had not been seen on campus for four years.
The students further alleged that venomous snakes had been found in the Girls’ Hostel, with no subsequent corrective actions taken. They also claimed that the administration had withheld evaluated answer scripts and that no grievance mechanism was in place, as required under Section 16(ix) of the NLUT Act.
In his response, VC Singh mentioned Prof. Nachiketa Mittal, the former in-charge Registrar who resigned in May 2026 following sexual harassment allegations. Singh noted Mittal had made “certain admissions” before resigning, with the Executive Council accepting his resignation. Singh emphasized that the matter was sub judice and noted concerns over attempts to retract the resignation.
“There have been attempts to circulate allegations against the University via videos, social media, and anonymous communications to various institutions. Such activities aim to distract the University, which remains committed to addressing genuine concerns through appropriate channels,” Singh stated.
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Singh clarified that the current Registrar in-charge was appointed by the Government of Tripura in accordance with the NLUT Act. However, an office order revealed that Prof. Dhar’s appointment in 2026 was authorized by VC Singh and signed by the Assistant Registrar, with no explicit mention of State government involvement.
Addressing other concerns, Singh stated that the fiscal year 2025-26 statutory audit had been completed and would soon be reviewed by the Governing Council. He dismissed issues related to snakes, exams, attendance, and hostels as “routine” administrative matters that would be addressed.
The students expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency regarding Mittal’s removal and emphasized their concern for safety. They sought clarity on Dhar’s appointment process, questioning the qualifications and process behind it. Given the university’s national stature, they demanded that the next Registrar be appointed from outside Tripura and called for urgent action from the State government.
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Students criticized the administration’s inaction regarding faculty feedback and demanded the promised faculty strength. They also questioned financial transparency, disputing the “routine” label and citing hazardous conditions such as ongoing construction near male student accommodations.
The students urged Singh to review their initial letter, requesting a dated and circulated response rather than a deferred one. “This is not a favor but a demand for the fulfillment of our statutory rights,” they asserted.
Attempts by Bar & Bench to contact VC Singh for further comments were unsuccessful.
