The Rajeev Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab, (RGNUL) has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission, against charging of “unjust” and “disproportionate” fees during the lockdown period.
The law school students of RGNUL in the complaint, urged to be granted some relief in the upcoming semester fee, in view of the “enormous economic stress”.
A Notification on June 27, by the RGNUL administration held on requisition of full fees for the upcoming semester (INR 1,13,500/-), payable latest by 10th July, post which date the late fee will be charged starting from INR 5,000/- and increasing in progression thereafter.
The requisition has been opposed by over 600 students from the RGNUL and an application to the NHRC has been made:
“There has been enormous economic stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and extended lockdowns on our families. Further, due to the premature closure of campus and the subsequent declaration of Summer Vacations, a major portion of fees already paid for the semester remains unutilized. Thereafter, the requisition of such a hefty amount at such a short notice period has made us economically vulnerable adding to our woes. For the reasons as aforesaid, and detailed in the main application, we are not willing to pay any fees apart from tuition fees. We request you to understand our plight and intervene to grant us appropriate relief(s) as detailed in the Main Application attached herewith.”
ALSO READ- Absolute Fee Waiver of College and School dismissed by Allahabad HC
A PIL has been also been filed by the students of the Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University (DSNLU), Vizag in the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking waiver of fees and cancellation of semester examinations.
In the Supreme Court, a petition has also been filed against payment of full school fees, and seeking waiver of private school fees for a period of three months starting April 1 till July 1 2020 during lockdown.
Before various High Courts, the issue has also been a subject of challenge.
