The Punjab State Women’s Commission (PSWC) has sought the removal of the vice-chancellor of the Patiala-based Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law for “highly inappropriate” behaviour.

The development comes after students launched protests against Prof Jai Shankar Singh for allegedly violating the privacy of female students and demanded his resignation.

The commission took suo motu cognisance of the matter of “violation of women’s rights, dignity and safety”. On Thursday, PSWC chairperson Raj Lali Gill wrote to President Droupadi Murmu seeking her intervention for Singh’s removal.

Singh had allegedly made an unannounced visit to the rooms of female students in the hostel on Sunday evening and enquired about them wearing shorts.

“The commission finds the VC’s actions highly inappropriate and a clear overstep of his administrative role. His behaviour has led to serious concerns regarding the safety, dignity and rights of female students and it has eroded the trust in the university’s leadership,” the PSWC said in its letter.

“In light of the above, the commission respectfully recommends your immediate intervention for the removal of Prof Jai Shankar Singh, VC, from his current position to restore a safe and respectful environment within the university,” the letter added.

The Telegraph had sent an email to Singh to understand his perspectives on the controversy. His response is awaited.