Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (RPNLUP), has formally disputed claims of misconduct in its recent recruitment of Assistant Professors, labeling such reports as defamatory. On August 20, the University released a press statement, signed by the Registrar, announcing the filing of a legal complaint against those responsible for disseminating these reports.
The statement expressed the University’s strong condemnation of what it described as misleading, intimidating, and defamatory communications circulated through social media and news outlets. These communications pertained to the appointment of Assistant Professors at RPNLUP.
This response from RPNLUP occurs amidst an inquiry by the State Law Department and at least two formal complaints regarding the recruitment process. Earlier in March, the University announced 12 available positions for Assistant Professor (Law). The selection interviews took place between July 22 and July 30.
According to reports, the Additional Law Remembrancer of Uttar Pradesh, who is also a member of the University’s Executive Council (EC), requested detailed records and justifications from the University’s Registrar concerning the recruitment proceedings. The request was made following a July 31 EC meeting, during which the Additional Law Remembrancer and another EC member refrained from voting on the appointments due to incomplete information being presented.
The Additional Law Remembrancer reportedly inquired whether the University’s shortlisting and selection committee complied with University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. He also sought to verify whether the required academic-score chart was created in the prescribed format.
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In a separate complaint, reportedly directed to the Chief Minister, allegations emerged that three of the selected candidates were former students of the Vice Chancellor (VC). Another complaint, addressed to the UGC Chairman and copied to Bar & Bench, called for a suspension of one appointment and an independent investigation. This complaint alleged that the appointment was made without the Registrar’s signature and questioned the VC’s involvement in the process, suggesting potential alterations of records following initial objections.
The complaint further claimed undue pressure on University officials and urged the UGC to independently verify the selection process against academic criteria. It also called for an examination of the candidate’s Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate.
