Students of Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), Tiruchirappalli, have raised objections to remarks attributed to the Vice Chancellor during a Class Representatives’ Meeting held on April 15, 2026, in which women students’ clothing was reportedly described as a “distraction” and as capable of “inviting sexual harassment.” The issue has since led to a written representation from Class Representatives and a student gathering outside the Administrative Block.
Responding to media queries, Registrar Prof. (Dr.) S. M. Balakrishnan stated that the Vice Chancellor’s remarks had been misunderstood and were made in the context of recalling an earlier incident at another law university. As of now, no separate formal clarification has been issued directly by the Vice Chancellor.
Remarks Reportedly Made During Official CR Meeting
According to minutes circulated from the Class Representatives’ Meeting, the Vice Chancellor stated that students should wear “proper” dress in classrooms and outside university premises, while indicating that clothing choices inside hostels would remain a matter of personal discretion.
Students present at the meeting later stated that references were made linking women students’ dress to distraction among students and faculty and suggesting that such attire could invite incidents of sexual harassment. During the discussion, the Vice Chancellor also reportedly referred to earlier controversy relating to remarks made during his tenure at the National Law School of India University and indicated that he continued to stand by those observations.
He is also reported to have stated that he would not independently impose a dress code at TNNLU but invited Class Representatives to raise any proposal if students wished to consider moderation regarding dress practices.
Senior Administrative Officials Present During Meeting
The meeting was attended by senior members of the administration, including the Registrar, the Dean of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Academics, the Dean of Student Welfare, the Dean of Research, and the Chief Wardens of the men’s and women’s hostels.
Students have stated that no objections to the remarks were recorded during the meeting by officials present at the time. This aspect has been highlighted in communications subsequently addressed by Class Representatives to the administration.
Class Representatives Seek Apology and Clarification
Following the meeting, Class Representatives addressed a formal email to the Vice Chancellor expressing objection to the remarks and seeking a formal apology and institutional clarification. The communication stated that attributing incidents of sexual harassment to clothing raises serious legal and institutional concerns and is inconsistent with established principles governing prevention of harassment in educational institutions.
The representation also requested that the administration reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive academic environment.
Student Gathering Held Outside Administrative Block
Later the same day, students assembled outside the Administrative Block at approximately 4 PM. Participants reportedly wore shorts and black clothing as part of a symbolic demonstration responding to the remarks discussed during the meeting.
Students described the gathering as peaceful and intended to seek institutional clarification regarding the issue.
Registrar Says Remarks Taken “Out of Context”
In comments reported by Bar & Bench, Registrar Prof. (Dr.) S. M. Balakrishnan stated that the Vice Chancellor’s observations were made while recalling the earlier National Law School of India University incident involving comments on students wearing shorts and that the remarks had been taken out of context by students.
He also expressed doubt regarding whether the protest would take place and indicated that the Vice Chancellor would not address students on the issue.
No Independent Statement From Vice Chancellor So Far
As of the time of reporting, no independent written clarification has been issued by the Vice Chancellor in response to the representation submitted by Class Representatives following the meeting.
The issue continues to be discussed within the campus community.
Concerns Also Raised Over Pending Student Bar Association Approval
Alongside concerns relating to the remarks, some students also referred to the continued delay in final approval of the Student Bar Association. Students involved in the initiative stated that preparatory work on the association’s constitution has already been completed and is awaiting administrative clearance.
They indicated that representative student bodies play an important role in facilitating structured dialogue between the administration and the student community on institutional matters.
Other Administrative Issues Discussed During the Meeting
The Class Representatives’ Meeting also addressed several academic and infrastructure-related matters, including election-related holidays, mandatory attendance for convocation, appointment of an additional counsellor, attendance register policy for students with fee dues, repairs in academic blocks, hostel terrace access restrictions after 11 PM, centralised storage of CCTV footage, and scheduling concerns relating to postgraduate viva examinations.
Further developments are expected following any additional clarification from the university administration
