Patiala RGNUL protest hunger strike: The protest at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala on Sunday intensified after students went on a hunger strike until the fulfillment of their demands. RGNUL Patiala students have been protesting on the college premises demanding the resignation of Vice Chancellor Jai Shankar Singh. As per RGNUL Patiala students, no action has been taken in this matter even after about 17 days. In such a situation, now the students have started a hunger strike. The students are wearing masks on their faces. They stated that they will not back down until their demand is met.
RGNUL protest began on Sunday (September 22) after the college's Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Jai Shankar Singh allegedly entered the women's hostel for a "surprise inspection" and asked sexist questions like "Why are you wearing shorts?". Students allege that this is not the first time that the VC has passed such comments. Following that it was reported that on October 3, RGNUL Jai Shankar Singh spoke to the students post mediation efforts, and stated that he would prefer to resign within a month than be subjected to an inquiry. However, later the VC denied telling the student community that he would resign.
Notably, a few days back, Punjab Chief Minister Bhawant Mann called the protestors and talked to them. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann who was then hospitalised himself called the students on the protest and promised support in every situation. As per reports, CM Mann told the students that the state government is committed to protecting their interests in every way. They will not be allowed to be harassed for any reason. The excesses of any person or authority will not be tolerated. The students will be given justice in every situation.
It is pertinent to mention here that V-C Prof Jai Shankar Singh has denied the allegation and said that he visited the girls’ hostel to inspect and 'identify students who smoke and drink alcohol after midnight' as he had received several complaints.