TNNLU VC Defends Remarks on Women’s Clothing Following Student Protests

Chennai: Students of TNNLU have been holding a sustained protest since April 16, seeking a public apology from the Vice-Chancellor after he allegedly stated during a Class Representatives’ Meeting that women wearing shorts “invite sexual harassment” and may act as a “distraction,” even for faculty members. The remarks, made in the presence of senior officials, triggered widespread outrage on campus.

According to the student community’s statement, the VC not only stood by his remarks but also reportedly expressed pride in having made similar statements during an earlier controversy at NLSIU Bangalore. When approached by students, he allegedly stated that he was “not answerable” to them and justified his comments as stemming from “fatherly instincts,” a justification students have strongly rejected as reinforcing victim-blaming.

Tensions escalated further when the administration declined to address the protesting students collectively. The Dean of UG Academics reportedly conveyed that the VC viewed the gathering as a “mob” and preferred interaction with a smaller group—an offer students refused, insisting on transparency through a public address. Although an assurance was initially given that a written response would be provided the same night, the VC later declined to commit to any specific timeline, stating that there was only a “reasonable time limit.”

Students have also alleged coercive measures during the protest, including late-night calls by hostel authorities to the parents of participating students, which they claim were intended to create pressure and disperse the agitation. In a significant escalation, all Class Representatives present during the original meeting resigned collectively, protesting the administration’s accusations that they had misrepresented the VC’s remarks.

In their demands, students have called for a clear public apology, an independent institutional inquiry, and an explicit acknowledgment that a student’s clothing bears no relation to incidents of sexual harassment. They have also sought solidarity from other National Law Universities and the broader legal academic community.

Amid this backdrop, the Vice-Chancellor issued a formal response on April 19, stating that the protest had been conducted without prior notice and that media had been invited to campus without permission. He clarified that the remarks in question were made in the context of a broader discussion on institutional development and student safety during the April 15 meeting.

Defending his position, the VC stated that he had only suggested that students “exercise wisdom” in their dressing, particularly considering the university’s location and the presence of external stakeholders such as labourers and visitors on campus. He further explained that his observations were influenced by anonymous complaints of sexual harassment received by the university’s Internal Committee, which, according to him, necessitated a discussion on safety and awareness.

He also questioned the authenticity of the minutes circulated by students, stating that they were “unapproved” and not formally validated.

Significantly, while addressing the controversy, the Vice-Chancellor stated that “if my statements have hurt the sentiments of any members… I have no hesitation to apologize.”

He concluded by appealing to students to end the protest, resume classes, and prepare for upcoming examinations.