By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 14: A compulsory uniform notification has triggered a peaceful protest at the National Law University (NLU) Meghalaya, with students on Thursday asserting that the agitation goes far beyond dress regulations and reflects growing concerns over academic uncertainty, administrative transparency, procedural fairness and student welfare.
In a press release, the students alleged that the university continues to function without clear academic guidelines regarding its major-minor-honours structure, trimester regulations, course allocation and fourth-year academic framework. According to the students, the absence of clarity has created uncertainty surrounding academic progression and evaluation.
The students also raised concerns regarding alleged inconsistencies in checking and evaluation practices in subjects such as Reading the Law and Constitutional Law, including allegations that submitted assignments were not duly considered during assessment. Questioning attendance-related policies, the students claimed that while the Bar Council of India reportedly prescribes 70 per cent attendance as the minimum requirement, the university allegedly mandates 75 per cent, resulting in students falling below the threshold being barred from examinations.
Additional concerns were raised regarding attendance-based marking systems carrying up to 10 marks per subject. The students alleged that deductions for attendance shortages result in disproportionate academic penalties. They also highlighted what they described as inadequate accommodation for medical and health-related absences, including the absence of menstrual leave provisions and inconsistencies in acceptance of sick leave.
The students further questioned internship and competition-related policies, alleging contradictions in implementation. According to them, internships are treated as compulsory while permissions, NOCs and institutional support for internships, moot courts and competitions are often delayed or restricted. Concerns regarding reimbursement of competition-related expenses were also highlighted.
Residential and welfare-related issues also figured prominently in the protest. The students stated that hostel limitations have forced several students to reside outside the campus and commute daily through difficult hilly terrain. They also questioned gender-based outing rules requiring parental permissions for female students but not male students.
Among other concerns highlighted were inactive student societies and clubs, ineffective grievance redressal mechanisms, unresolved Food Committee issues relating to menus and pricing, and disparities in domicile fee structures between batches.
Maintaining that the protest remains peaceful and democratic in nature, the students urged the university administration to engage meaningfully with student representatives, issue clear academic and administrative guidelines, review attendance and welfare-related policies, and strengthen institutional grievance redressal and consultation mechanisms.
