NLU Odisha Students Stage Indefinite Protest Over 'Arbitrary Academic Policies' & Lack Of Infrastructure; Uni Calls It 'Illegal Demand' To Exert Pressure

Update: The University has subsequently withdrawn the press statement a day after it was issued.

The students of National Law University Odisha, Cuttack (NLUO) have started an indefinite protest against the university authorities opposing alleged introduction of arbitrary academic policies for evaluation of tutorial classes, lack of basic infrastructure and collective apathy of administration towards academic and mental issues of students.

A press statement issued by the student's body stated that due to the lack of adequate and efficient response from the university, they have started the sit-in from 9 AM, January 24, 2025 so as to make the university administration address their concerns.

The statement cited three major reasons for initiating the demonstration, i.e. (i) arbitrary imposition of university policies on students; (ii) lack of infrastructural access; and (iii) insensitivity of administration towards mental health of students.

They alleged that imposition of evaluation for tutorial classes, without consultation with the students, breaches the UGC Guidelines for Student Entitlements, as it undermines transparency and rights of students.

“It also violates the doctrine of legitimate expectation by altering examination patterns mid-semester, contradicts the university's recognition of the adverse mental health effects of continuous evaluation, and deviates from established practices in other National Law Universities and international tutorial systems,” it added.

The student body also expressed concerns over grant of unfettered powers to librarians and wardens to exercise all such disciplinary powers over students in their respective places in the university as may be necessary for the proper conduct and discipline of students on the campus.

“These measures, including suspension, campus bans, and activity prohibitions, are punitive rather than protective and operate on a presumption of guilt, often used to harass students without sufficient evidence. This approach contradicts Rule 20 of the Proctorial Rules, which mandates adherence to principles of natural justice, rendering it ineffective and purely cosmetic,” it asserted.

Severe grievances were raised over the recent decision of the university to keep the Academic Block closed from 7 PM to 8 AM. They said that the decision has critically undermined the fundamental operational needs of student committees, academic preparation, and extra-curricular activities, hampering student culture.

They also regretted paralysed infrastructures of the premiere institute which has caused a great deal of inconvenience.

“The washrooms in the academic building, especially the girls' washrooms have broken doors and latches, and even broken commodes…Furthermore, the campus remains largely inaccessible to individuals with disabilities due to ineffectual ramps, lack of appropriate washrooms and lift access, alongside insufficiency of accessible rooms in the library. Terraces of hostels have also been closed off to students,” the press statement added.

Apart from the above, the student body flagged insensitive behaviour of authorities, including that of the Dean (Academics). It made harsh allegations against the academician –

“Her leadership style is described as reactive and insensitive, fostering an unsupportive academic environment. Her disregard for grievances regarding inadequate classroom facilities, rigid attendance policies, and lack of support for differently-abled students and those with medical conditions is very apparent in her emails.”

'Illegal & Unreasonable Demand'

The university administration today issued a counter press statement addressing the one released by the student's body yesterday. According to the said release, after the Registrar, Chief Warden and Controller of Examination met the students and agreed to take two interim steps of suspending evaluation till the next Academic Council meeting and also partially opening the Academic Block, the students agreed to stop the protest.

However, it alleged that after assuring to stay away from the demonstration, the students again started the protest asking for acceptance of more demands by the Vice Chancellor.

“…they backtracked and started asking for acceptance of more demands by the Vice Chancellor including an open ended GBM. They have been told repeatedly that all their demands and holding a GBM will be met after the visit of the Review Commission is over, but the members of the Students Council are not open to listening.”

The university stated that the students are dismissive of all the mental and physical health measures taken by the administration by appointing a full-time doctor, four full-time nurses, a full-time counsellor, tie up with the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack for any serious mental health issues and umpteen training programmes and awareness sessions organised by the university. They are also dismissive of the positive steps taken by the university for betterment of the infrastructure despite huge financial expenditures.

“It is usually believed that students are always right and the administration is always lacking. In this case, it is a clear case when the students of NLUO have decided to pressurise the University to give in to their illegal, unlawful, and unreasonable demand of setting aside the evaluation for tutorial classes by choosing to protest at the time of very crucial events of the University,” it added.

The university, however, reiterated that it is open to have 'reasonable dialogue' with the students and resolve their legitimate concerns after the conclusion of two important official events scheduled to be held on the campus in the next one week.