HPNLU students call off protests after assurances that grievances will be addressed

Students of the Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) have called off the protests that they had initiated last week, after they were assured that the various grievances raised would be addressed expeditiously.

The protests were called off on Thursday after Acting Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and temporary University Chancellor, Justice DC Chaudhary visited the University and interacted with the students. Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and State Bar Council Chairman Ramakant Sharma were also part of the mediatory talks.

After assurances were given that the various grievances raised by the students would be addressed, the students intimated that they were halting their peaceful protest. To this end, a press release issued also states,

“Finally, after 10 days of prolonged protest by the students of Himachal Pradesh National Law University, the administration has accepted all our grievances to be redressed with quick and stern action because these demands are very basic in nature and students cannot be deprived of the same. The meeting with the higher authorities was fruitful and hence the peaceful protest has been called off with high aspirations.”

The lack of basic amenities at the University had initially prompted the students of HPNLU to commence protests six months ago, in March this year. At that time, the protest was called off temporarily, with the student body making it clear that it would resume the protests if the issues raised are not addressed.

On September 17, the students took to resuming their protest over the slow administrative response to their concerns. Apart from registering their protest to the continuing absence of basic facilities such as safe drinking water, hygienic food and inhabitable hostel rooms, the student body has also claimed that they  have not been provided with moot court facilities, sports facilities, and WiFi, despite being charged for the same.

The other demands include the creation of a democratically elected Student Body Association, transparency in administrative functioning, and introduction of adequate medical facilities on campus.

[Read the Press note issued by the students intimating the halt of protests]