RPNLUP denies irregularities in recruitment, files police complaint over defamatory press coverage

Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (RPNLUP) has issued a press note calling coverage of its recent Assistant Professor appointments defamatory.

The press note was issued on August 20 and was signed by the University's registrar.

It says that RPNLUP has filed a complaint against those responsible for the defamatory media reports.

"Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLUP), Prayagraj, takes serious note and unequivocally condemns, the circulation and publication of misleading, criminally intimidating, derogatory and defamatory statements, imputations and insinuations on social media and news platforms concerning the recent appointment of Assistant Professors at the University," the note reads.

The note has been issued amid a State Law Department inquiry and at least two complaints. RPNLUP had advertised 12 Assistant Professor (Law) posts in March this year. Interviews for the posts were held between July 22 and 30.

According to a report, the State of Uttar Pradesh's Additional Law Remembrancer, also a member of the University's Executive Council (EC), had sought records and explanations from the University's Registrar on the recruitment process. In that letter, he allegedly mentioned that complete information regarding the appointments was not placed before the EC during its meeting on July 31, because of which he and another EC member abstained from voting on the appointments.

The report said that the Additional Law Remembrancer asked whether shortlisting and selection committee formation adhered to University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, and whether an academic-score chart in the prescribed format was prepared.

Separately, a complaint reportedly to the Chief Minister alleged that that three of the Vice Chancellor's (VC) former students were among those selected during the process.

Another complaint, addressed to the UGC Chairman and copied to Bar & Bench, also sought a stay on one candidate's appointment and an independent inquiry, alleging the candidate's joining was permitted without the Registrar's signature.

It questioned the VC's role in the process and raised fear that records may have been altered after objections were first raised. It also alleged pressure on University officials and has asked the UGC to verify the selection against academic criteria and to independently check the candidate's EWS certificate.