Poor infrastructure, sexist remarks by wardens and more: Why DNLU Jabalpur students are on hunger strike

Students of Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur continue to protest against alleged maladministration on the part of the authorities and non-fulfilment of a number of demands..Protests entered their sixth day on Monday, with over 100 students taking part in a hunger strike since Saturday at the University's academic block..Some of the demands put forth by the students include payment of annual fees in instalments and refund of hostel fees during the period online classes were held; revoking marks granted on the basis of attendance; betterment of living conditions in hostels, improving the Internship and Placements Cell, constitution of a Student Bar Association, instilling a check and balance system against the concentration of power of authorities; and taking action against sexist remarks made by the warden of the girls' hostel.The students have also taken exception to the appointment of Jalaj Goantiya as Registrar-in-charge despite not meeting the requirements for the post..The demands were listed in a representation sent to the administration last week. At the same time, the students moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court challenging the exorbitant fees charged for remedial classes for those who were not allowed to write exams owing to attendance shortage..Pertinently, they demanded the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr V Nagaraj, given the many instances of harassment and oppression during his tenure that came to light on campus time and again."Dr. Nagaraj has violated the power conferred upon him. He harassed students by imposing humongous fines, and infringed their privacy by authorising unauthorised persons to trespass in the student’s room in the name of inspection," the representation stated..Speaking to Bar & Bench, a student revealed that the University administration called for police on campus even as they took to peaceful protests. Video recordings of the incident show police officers targeting vocal students. "Every time we put forth a representation there are repercussions that follow. Not only this, there has been a pattern of the Vice Chancellor going on leaves for 5-10 days every time a representation is sent. This time within 15 minutes of us sitting in peaceful protest to meet our demands, cops were on campus. The authorities asked us to stop protesting and that the matter would be resolved through negotiations, but never has there been anything positive that has come from these negotiations," said the student. "The Vice-Chancellor took an Open House to address the students and dissolve the protest. But he was not willing to listen to us and mentioned that he was not prepared to address our concerns that day. He ended the Open House warning students against sitting on protests lest the cops be called on campus again," the student added..On Saturday, the Vice-Chancellor submitted a detailed written response to the representation made by students on the many concerns raised. On the issue of refund of hostel and other fees charged during the conduct of online classes, it is stated that the Finance Committee and Executive Council have been asked to prepare a status report and that 15 days of prior intimation needs to be given to convene the said bodies. The demands for campus to remain open till 12 am with a 24x7 library will be deliberated on with the Academic and Executive Council. The VC didn't comment on the fee for remedial classes on account of the issue being sub-judice. .Further, assurances were made that the annual fees can be paid in two instalments and that construction of the sports and gym infrastructure is under way, with some delay due to rain.On the poor infrastructure in the girls' hostel, the VC revealed that the University very recently got possession of a hostel building from BSNL, and that renovation work in the existing quarters was underway."The University is planning to make the first-year students stay comfortable and also explore the possibility of providing food at the above-mentioned quarters itself," the response reads.On the conduct of hostel wardens, it is noted that they will be sensitized appropriately. Prof Nagaraj has permitted students to lead the Internship and Placement Committee or suggest alternatives to make it better. On the matter of constituting the Student Bar Association (SBA), the VC brought to light that the last time the schedule for elections to the SBA were declared, violence broke out in hostels with caste-related fights on account of which the same was suspended."Once the situation returns to normalcy SBA elections may be held, or pending the elections, if the students want to organize themselves into activity-based committees they may write to the Vice Chancellor," the response stated. .He further agreed to publication of minutes of the meetings held by the Academic Council, the Finance Committee and the Executive Council. On the issue of concentration of powers, he stated, "By following the required procedures, there will be distribution of powers appropriately."It is also noted that the Registrar-in-charge Jalaj Goantiya has been in office only for the past four and a half months on an interim basis till a Registrar is appointed..Regarding the calls for his resignation, the VC stated that as per the provisions of the MPDNLU Act, 2018, the same has to be decided by the High Court judge in-charge of the University and the Chancellor. .[Read Representation and VC's response here]