Nearly three weeks into their ongoing conflict with the administration, faculty members at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala report that the situation remains unchanged. This dispute, which commenced on August 10, involved faculty members issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the University, alleging misconduct by Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Jai Shankar Singh and requesting intervention from the Chancellor.
The faculty’s grievances encompass alleged irregularities in promotions, interference with the curriculum, lack of transparency in the Vice-Chancellor’s office operations, and questionable appointments that overlooked the roles of the Registrar and Deans. Non-teaching staff also issued a 48-hour notice the following day, citing unresolved issues related to promotions and service grievances.
In response, on August 12, the Vice-Chancellor issued a directive to halt the strike and rescinded the contested promotion at the center of the faculty’s complaint. However, the faculty argued that these actions did not address the core problems, and they proceeded with a pen-down strike.
On August 27, the faculty reached out to the Vice-Chancellor once more, seeking clarity on steps being taken to resolve the ongoing issues. According to faculty members, the Vice-Chancellor failed to provide a definitive response and subsequently convened a meeting on August 31. During this meeting, the only item on the agenda was to organize a guest lecture, labeled as a “National Conference,” which faced unanimous objection from the faculty.
At the same gathering, the Vice-Chancellor reportedly expressed his disinterest in pursuing a second term at RGNUL and mentioned plans to return to his parent institution to secure retirement benefits. With no substantial agenda established, faculty members took the opportunity to voice their concerns directly. The Vice-Chancellor then recorded the proceedings, marking a first-time occurrence, according to the faculty.
Despite objections, the Vice-Chancellor allegedly had photographs taken during the meeting, which faculty members fear could be circulated via WhatsApp to present a facade of control to higher University authorities. Concerns were also raised about the Vice-Chancellor’s discussions on altering the structure of certain University offices, purportedly to place allies in key positions to secure his position. Faculty members criticized this approach as “arbitrary and rudderless,” once again sidelining their principal concerns.
