RGNUL Registrar Suspended Over Allegations of Sexual Harassment, Misconduct, and Financial Irregularities
Safiya Malik
The Registrar of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Dr. Anand Pawar, has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment, academic and administrative misconduct, and financial irregularities. The suspension order, issued by the Vice-Chancellor, includes accusations of violations of university regulations and government conduct rules. The order also imposes restrictions on Pawar to ensure the integrity of an ongoing inquiry.
The suspension follows multiple complaints against Pawar, including allegations of sexual harassment by an Assistant Professor. The matter was initially reviewed by the University’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and later challenged in the Punjab & Haryana High Court. The High Court ruled in favor of the complainant, directing Pawar to pay Rs. 3 lakh in compensation. Additionally, the suspension order mentions a pending criminal case under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, filed by Pawar's first wife, alleging cruelty.
The suspension order further accuses Pawar of financial irregularities and abuse of his position during his tenure as Registrar and as the officiating Vice-Chancellor. It alleges that Pawar misappropriated university resources for personal benefit, including the approval of financial allowances and the use of the VIP Guest House as his residence, contrary to standard procedures.
According to the order, Pawar violated RGNUL regulations by supervising PhD candidates while serving as Registrar, a role that does not permit faculty supervision of doctoral students. Moreover, the order states that during his tenure as officiating Vice-Chancellor from February 27, 2023, to March 27, 2024, Pawar transferred research candidates to his second wife, an Associate Professor at the university, without obtaining consent from their previous supervisors. These actions were described in the order as “against decency and morality and involving moral turpitude.” It adds, “Your conduct lacks integrity and is unbecoming to hold such a high office.”
The suspension order also raises allegations of bigamy, noting that Pawar reportedly entered into a second marriage with an Associate Professor at RGNUL, despite a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling in 2023 that prohibits him from remarrying. The document states that Pawar has been living on campus with his second wife.
The allegations extend to violations of financial protocols, including proposing agenda items in Finance Committee and Executive Council meetings that served his personal interests. These included securing a special allowance for himself and misusing university facilities. The order claims these actions amount to significant financial irregularities and a breach of fiduciary responsibilities.
To safeguard the ongoing inquiry, the suspension order prohibits Pawar from seeking employment elsewhere or leaving the area without prior written permission. It also mandates a thorough investigation into allegations of financial, administrative, and academic misconduct.
The order states that Pawar’s actions amount to a breach of the RGNUL Regulations and the Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1966.
