NUJS Protest — The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), one of India’s premier law schools, is in the midst of a storm. Students have launched an unprecedented protest against Vice Chancellor Nirmal Kanti Chakrabarti, demanding his resignation over allegations of sexual harassment, administrative opacity, and lack of financial accountability. What began as a weekend gherao has transformed into a continuing wave of symbolic yet powerful demonstrations, shaking the corridors of one of the country’s most respected law universities.
The Flashpoint: Why Are NUJS Students Protesting?
The current wave of student dissent stems from multiple concerns that have been building for years:
- Sexual Harassment Allegations
- A faculty member accused the VC of harassment between 2019 and 2023.
- The complaint, filed under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013, was rejected by the internal committee citing delay beyond the permissible time limit.
- The matter went to the Calcutta High Court and later to the Supreme Court. Both dismissed the complaint as “time-barred” but significantly, the Supreme Court ordered that the judgment be included in the VC’s résumé, ensuring the allegation remains part of the official record.
- Financial & Administrative Transparency
- Students allege mismanagement in allocation of research funds and budgetary opacity in handling university finances.
- Delays in reimbursement for student competitions, lack of clarity on grants, and inadequate infrastructural investment are among the top complaints.
- Erosion of Academic Standards
- Protesters claim the university is falling behind other National Law Universities in infrastructure, faculty resources, and curriculum development.
- They argue that the present administration has failed to maintain the academic rigor expected of NUJS.
- Disconnect with Leadership
- Students accuse the VC of being unapproachable, dismissive of their grievances, and insensitive to the larger issues of campus safety and integrity.
Protest Tactics: From Gherao to “Stand-Up Protest”
The NUJS protest is unfolding in multiple symbolic forms:
- Gherao of the VC’s Office: Hundreds of students staged a nearly 20-hour sit-in, demanding resignation.
- Stand-Up Protest: Students now attend lectures but remain standing for hours as a form of silent resistance, some even sitting on the floor in defiance.
- Black Bands: Learners across batches wear black bands to visually signal dissent.
- Ultimatum to VC: Students have set October 31 as the deadline for resignation. If unmet, they plan indefinite non-cooperation from November 3, which could involve boycotts of classes and academic processes.
- Formal Governance Demands: Students have asked for the General Council and Executive Council of NUJS to convene and deliberate on the matter transparently.
The Vice Chancellor’s Stand
VC Chakrabarti has firmly rejected calls for resignation. He argues:
- The POSH complaint was legally dismissed due to limitation and upheld by both High Court and Supreme Court.
- The Supreme Court’s order to include the judgment in his résumé, according to him, does not amount to guilt but merely compliance with judicial direction.
- He has described the protests as “politically instigated” and claims that such agitations are tarnishing NUJS’s global image.
The Legal Context: POSH Act and Limitations
The POSH Act, 2013 was designed to ensure quick redressal of harassment cases in workplaces and educational institutions.
- Statutory Limit: Complaints must be filed within three months of the incident. Delayed complaints can be entertained only if sufficient cause is shown.
- In NUJS’s Case: Both the High Court and Supreme Court cited limitation as grounds to dismiss the complaint.
- Supreme Court’s Remark: By directing inclusion of the judgment in the VC’s official résumé, the Court made a rare move — ensuring that even if procedurally time-barred, the allegation remains part of his public record, underscoring reputational accountability.
🔗 Official References:
NUJS Protest: Impact on Students and Faculty
For many students, this is not just a protest against one person, but a battle for institutional integrity.
- Student Sentiment: “We cannot trust a leader whose name is associated with such allegations, even if dismissed on technical grounds. Our degrees and careers are tied to this university’s reputation.”
- Faculty Response: Some faculty members have supported the demand for greater transparency and ethical leadership, while others have remained silent fearing administrative backlash.
- Alumni Concern: NUJS alumni, many of whom are senior lawyers and judges, have privately expressed concern over how this may impact the university’s credibility.
Larger Implications for Higher Education Governance
The NUJS protest is a microcosm of a broader crisis in Indian academia.
- Governance Gaps: Many universities lack clear accountability mechanisms for top administrators.
- Student Power: Law students, being legally literate and aware of their rights, are uniquely positioned to challenge administrative lapses.
- Judicial Oversight: Courts are increasingly being drawn into campus disputes, but their interventions often strike a balance between technical legalities and moral responsibility.
🌍 Global Comparisons: Universities in Similar Storms
NUJS is not alone. Around the world, student protests have been triggered by similar issues:
- Harvard University (USA): Students protested against leaders accused of failing to handle harassment claims transparently.
- Oxford University (UK): Governance crises over harassment cases and student representation on decision-making bodies.
- JNU (India): Multiple protests over administrative high-handedness and lack of dialogue between students and leadership.
🚦 What Lies Ahead?
The next few weeks are critical:
- October 31 Deadline: If unmet, students may escalate their protest into full non-cooperation.
- Executive Council’s Role: The EC may be forced to hold an emergency meeting to decide on the VC’s future.
- Judicial Intervention: Fresh petitions could emerge, especially if the standoff worsens.
- Reputational Stakes: NUJS’s standing among National Law Universities and global law schools hangs in the balance.
🔗 External Resources
For readers seeking detailed legal and institutional references:
- University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations
- Ministry of Education, Government of India
- West Bengal Higher Education Department
- National Commission for Women (NCW)
✅ Conclusion
The NUJS protest is not just a flash of campus activism — it is a defining moment for Indian higher education. It highlights the growing demand for ethical leadership, transparent administration, and safe academic environments. The students’ resolve, the VC’s defiance, and the judiciary’s unusual intervention together make this a landmark case in the governance of legal education in India.
What happens in the coming weeks will set a precedent for how Indian universities handle allegations against their top administrators, and how much weight is given to student voices in shaping the future of higher education.
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