The students of NUJS have begun a stand in protest by choosing to remain standing during their class sessions, which may last up to five hours each day, as a demonstration of protest. This protest comes against the allegations of sexual harassment and mismanagement of finances against the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Nirmal Kanti Chakrabarti.
The stand in protest started on Monday after the initial plans for a black band demonstration. Students from different academic year groups, along with first and second year students, attended six-hour sessions, stood in solidarity for their demands. The protest doesn’t aim to stop any academic activity, but aims at putting pressure on the administration by showing visibility and unity.
Why NUJS students are demanding VC's removal
Notably, there were discussions held that aimed towards additional forms of peaceful protest if deemed necessary. This latest wave of protest followed the Supreme Court’s September 12 observation regarding a 2023 sexual harassment complaint against Professor Chakrabarti.
The internal complaints committee has rejected the original complaint on technical grounds, whereas the apex court asked that the matter be noted on the VC’s resume. Professor Chakrabarti has submitted a modification request to the Supreme Court and claimed that the students' agitation is externally unlawful. He argued that the issue remains subjudice and restricted the university’s response.
The protest also happened in parallel to a general council Justice Dipankar Dutta and State Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya. The students carried and displayed posters that demanded the removal of the VC.
The university administration looks to procedural constraints, but students remain locked with their demand for accountability and change at NUJS. The stand in protest shows a broader call within academia for safe, transparent, and responsive leadership.