Gujarat National Law University: Gujarat HC Criticises GNLU Over Discrimination and Sexual Assault Cases

Gujarat National Law University: The Gujarat High Court has expressed strong disapproval of GNLU in light of allegations encompassing molestation, rape and discrimination. A report from a fact-finding committee revealed the university's obstructive responses to student grievances. Check details here 

Gujarat National Law University: The Gujarat High Court expressed its concern over reported incidents at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar, including molestation, rape, discrimination, homophobia, favouritism, and suppression of voices, as highlighted in a report by a fact-finding committee. The court has directed that a competent authority should now review the findings of the report. 

The report, presented confidentially to the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha P. Mayee, was characterised by the court as "extremely alarming." This Bench is deliberating on a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL), initiated in response to a newspaper article published on September 22, 2023.

The newspaper reported that a male student from GNLU experienced mental distress as a result of harassment linked to his queer identity. Additionally, a female student alleged that she was raped by a fellow student.

Fact Finding Committee 

Earlier, the court ordered the institution to reform its fact-finding committee, which was established to investigate the alleged incidents. The fact-finding committee was chaired by Justice (retd) Harsha Devani, formerly of the Gujarat High Court. A competent authority should consider the fact-finding report, the court said. It posted the matter to March 12 , 2024 directing the lawyer assisting the court as well as the lawyers representing the GNLU to determine this appropriate authority. 

Allegations of Influence and Obstruction

As per TOI reports, one victim mentioned that "a politically influential individual" was actively working to prevent the filing of a police report. Furthermore, the fact-finding report highlighted accusations directed at specific faculty members, the Registrar, and the Director of the institute, indicating the necessity for a thorough investigation, as emphasised by the Bench. 

The court noted that an Instagram post detailing the alleged abuses was forcefully taken down due to actions by GNLU and the faculty warden of the women's college. It was observed that the institute had expressed opposition to the Instagram posts that exposed the hardships endured by two students and had taken a confrontational stance against them. 

"Really Scary", Says High Court 

After perusing the report, the bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha Mayee termed the report "really scary" and that the GNLU administration is involved in suppressing voice of students. 

“That is the scariest part of the report. After parents, teachers and faculty in a residential college play the role of parents… They have taken the post as something meant to tarnish the image of the university,” the court said.

“It was so difficult for them [the students] to speak [to the committee members]. They are students of law, they are supposed to help others to hear their voices,” the court noted. “All these lectures, talks, seminars…everything goes to rubbish, it has no meaning at all,” it added.

Read More

• TS LAWCET, PGLCET 2024 Registration From March 1; Know Eligibility Criteria, Steps To Apply
• UGC directs HEIs to publicize new criminal laws 2023