RGNUL protests called off after students reach compromise with VC; Student Bar Council formed

The month-long protest at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala has come to an end after the students reached a compromise with the administration.

The protests erupted in response to a visit by RGNUL Vice-Chancellor Prof Jai Shankar Singh to the girls' hostel without consent or prior notice.

Students had also voiced concerns over facilities at the University as well as policies of the administration.

Chancellor of RGNUL and Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana Sheel Nagu had earlier directed that the dispute be settled by mediation. The students had demanded the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor, an unconditional apology from him, and the formation of an RGNUL Student Bar Association to better represent their interests. The mediation committee consisted of Prof (Dr.) Faizan Mustafa, Prof (Dr.) Archana Mishra, and Smt. Giribala Singh.

On October 20, a mutual agreement was reached at by the student representatives and the Mediation Committee constituted by the Chancellor. It established the RGNUL Student Bar Council and fulfilled other demands such as infrastructural concerns relating to the University library, revamping of the placement cell, reimbursement policy for moots and ADR competitions, among others.

The RGNUL Student Bar Council was approved by the Vice-Chancellor. An interim committee was democratically constituted to draft the Constitution of the RGNUL Student Bar Council.