Storm Brews at NUJS: Students Demand VC's Ouster Over 'Unjust' Practices and Alleged Misconduct

Kolkata's prestigious National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS) is currently gripped by a fierce student protest, as a collective of impassioned students have gheraoed Vice-Chancellor Nirmal Chakrabarti, demanding his immediate resignation. The dramatic standoff, which has now entered its second day, stems from a litany of grievances, primarily centered on allegations of administrative misconduct, a glaring lack of transparency, and what students describe as an 'autocratic' style of leadership.

The administrative block of the university has become the epicenter of this unwavering demonstration.

Students, resolute in their conviction, spent Tuesday night within the premises, physically preventing the Vice-Chancellor from leaving. Their message is unequivocal: no end to the gherao until Chakrabarti steps down.

At the heart of the students' outrage are serious allegations regarding recent faculty appointments.

They claim that the interview process for these crucial academic positions was riddled with irregularities and lacked fairness, leading to concerns about the erosion of academic integrity within the institution. Furthermore, the students accuse Chakrabarti of misusing university funds and fostering an environment devoid of accountability and open communication.

"We have been raising these issues for a long time, but our concerns have consistently fallen on deaf ears," stated a representative of the protesting students.

"The Vice-Chancellor's actions, particularly regarding the faculty appointments, are not just unjust but also deeply detrimental to the future of this university. We demand transparency and a leader who upholds the principles of justice and academic excellence."

In response to the escalating protest, Vice-Chancellor Nirmal Chakrabarti has vehemently denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence and refusing to tender his resignation.

He has, however, expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the student body to address their concerns, though this offer has not yet diffused the intense atmosphere of the protest.

Adding significant weight to the students' demands, a considerable number of NUJS teachers have also voiced their support for a thorough investigation into the allegations.

While not directly participating in the gherao, their public stance underlines the deep-seated issues plaguing the university administration and reinforces the need for immediate, decisive action. This confluence of student and faculty dissatisfaction paints a grim picture for the university's leadership.

As the gherao continues, the future of NUJS hangs precariously in the balance.

The students remain steadfast, their voices unified in a powerful call for change, determined to hold their leadership accountable and restore the institution's commitment to fairness and academic integrity.