In a significant development at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) in Lucknow, members of the Cultural Committee (CC) and the Debate and Discussion Committee (DDC) have collectively resigned in protest against recent changes in the student committee structure for the 2026-27 academic year. According to sources familiar with the situation, all but three newly appointed office bearers of the Cultural Committee, who had no previous involvement, have stepped down. The majority of DDC members have also resigned over the issue.
The students have expressed their dissatisfaction through an anonymous email sent to the university administration. The email highlighted concerns about the restructuring process and criticized the overall academic and professional environment at the university. It suggested that student-led committees should operate autonomously in their daily functions, with faculty oversight limited to budgetary matters. Faculty-led initiatives, the email proposed, should concentrate on academic research, journals, internships, placements, and collaborations with industry.
Furthermore, the email accused the administration of failing to adequately support student placements and professional development. Allegations of an examination paper leak were also mentioned, claiming that question papers were sold for prices ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, with the issue allegedly suppressed internally.
The resignations followed a joint representation submitted to the Vice Chancellor on June 9 by three committees. The representation warned that members would resign by June 12 if their concerns regarding the restructuring were not addressed. According to the resigning members, the decision came after exhausting all institutional channels, including individual representations, written communications, and direct discussions with the authorities, none of which elicited a substantive response from the administration.
The controversy centers on a structural change that excluded fifth-year students from leadership roles within the committees. Initially, the administration had communicated on April 26 that the new structure would include Joint Conveners from the fourth year and mentors from the fifth year. However, a subsequent notice on May 27, issued under the Vice Chancellor’s directive, restricted applications to third and fourth-year students only, omitting any mentor roles.
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An examination of the official committee constitutions on the RMLNLU website reveals inconsistencies with the recent appointments. Specifically, the constitutions for the Moot Court Committee and the Internship and Placement Committee stipulate two Joint Conveners from the fifth year. Nevertheless, the June 4 notice for the 2026-27 session, endorsed by Prof. Manish Singh, Head of the Department of Legal Studies, appointed fourth-year students to these positions, with the Cultural Committee Treasurer being selected from the third year, contrary to the constitution’s requirement for a fourth-year appointee.
Significantly, the notification for committee leadership applications was issued during exam periods, and the subsequent appointments were made while a large segment of the student body was absent from campus. Resigning members noted that this timing severely restricted meaningful consultation, discussion, and feedback from the affected students.
At RMLNLU, committee leadership roles are highly regarded as they provide crucial professional experience in the absence of institutional placements comparable to other top law schools. Students rely on these roles to enhance their profiles for internships, recruitment, and further education opportunities.
The resignations occur amidst broader governance challenges at RMLNLU. The university’s approval from the Bar Council of India (BCI) has lapsed since the 2022-23 academic year. The BCI has issued a show cause notice to RMLNLU, criticizing its public disclosure about the recognition lapse as incomplete and misleading.
Bar & Bench reached out to Prof. Manish Singh and the Vice Chancellor with specific queries about the restructuring. The university acknowledged the queries on June 11 and promised a response by the next day, but no response has been received. Attempts to contact the administration by phone have also been unsuccessful.
