The Punjab and Haryana High Court considered the issues raised by the students of Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Patiala, who challenged the notice issued by the university wherein it has directed the students to pay full fees for the upcoming semester. The Court thus directed the University to file its response before the final argument which is scheduled for 22nd July.
Recently, Students of Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Patiala moved to Punjab & Haryana High Court against the notice issued by the University on 27th June, directing the students to pay the fee of Rs.1.35 lakh and also a late fine of Rs 1000/day for the upcoming semester of August- December.
The Petitioner demanded clarifications on various grounds, such as charging of campus development fee, exam fee, examination fee, moot fees, library fee, and various other miscellaneous charges even though the University has been closed since the past 4 months. Further, the petitioner also sought clarification on what basis University is charging Tuition fee of 55,000 thousand, even though there were no online classes conducted and also charging of 15000 and 17500 for single and double occupancy respectively for the hostel room, when not a single student has been present in the campus.
Also, according to the Finance Committee, a major portion of the previous semester fee is not fully utilized by the University which stands for 2 crores 14 lakh thus, the students want from the University to adjust this amount for the current semester.
RGNLU is a state-funded University and its demand for exorbitant fees has been termed as arbitrary by the students. Also, the petitioners contended that this decision is passed overlooking the current situations wherein majority of students are facing Financial problems.
Earlier, a similar petition was also filed by the Students of Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Vizag for the cancellation of Exams and waiver of fees.
(This news has been written and submitted by Mr. Sourav during his course of internship at B&B Associates LLP. Mr. Sourav is a third-year law student at the Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur.)