Major move by Sikkim government: SLNU VC’s qualifications and functioning to be probed.
GANGTOK: The Government of Sikkim has constituted a high-level committee to examine the educational qualifications and eligibility criteria of Sikkim National Law University (SNLU) vice chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Achina Kundu and to review the institution’s overall functioning and management.
According to an official notification issued by the Home department on May 21, the committee has been formed in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim and the chancellor of SNLU. The panel has been tasked with assessing whether the current vice-chancellor meets the prescribed qualifications and eligibility norms required for the post.
The committee will also examine provisions under the Sikkim National Law University Act relating to the appointment of the vice-chancellor. In addition, it will conduct a detailed review of the university’s functioning, including administrative and financial management.
The committee comprises the principal secretary of Education department as chairman, with Law and Parliamentary Affairs secretary serving as member secretary. Other members include Department of Personnel special secretary, Finance Commission Division director and the head of the Department of Law at Sikkim Central University.
As per the terms of reference, the committee has been directed to submit its report to the SNLU chancellor within 45 days from the date of the notification.
In a related communication dated June 9, 2026, the Law and Parliamentary Affairs department informed the SNLU vice-chancellor about the constitution of the committee. The vice-chancellor has been requested to extend full cooperation and make herself available as and when required during the course of the inquiry.
The move signals heightened scrutiny of the administrative and academic leadership at SNLU, with the State government seeking to ensure compliance with statutory provisions and transparency in the university’s governance.
The notification was issued by the chief secretary of Sikkim, R. Telang, IAS, under the orders of the Governor.
Parallel to the government’s move, serious concerns have been raised by stakeholders in legal education regarding SNLU’s alleged failure to clearly communicate the status of its Bar Council of India (BCI) approvals to students.
SNLU, established under the Sikkim National Law University Act, 2018, has only recently commenced academic sessions. However, students and parents have alleged that critical information regarding BCI recognition of law programmes was not adequately disclosed at the time of admission, potentially putting students’ professional futures at risk.
The issue has drawn comparisons with the ongoing crisis at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow, where admissions reportedly continued despite lapses in BCI approval since the 2022-23 academic session, leading to protests and a show-cause notice from the BCI.
Stakeholders fear that if SNLU is facing similar issues of delayed compliance or inadequate disclosure, students could suffer severe consequences.
Students are considered the worst affected in such situations. Without valid and current BCI approval: graduates may be unable to enrol with State Bar Councils or obtain Certificates of Practice; degrees may not be recognized for higher studies, including LLM programmes in India and abroad; and opportunities in judicial services and legal employment could be jeopardized.
Additionally, families may incur substantial financial losses due to fees and loans, while students face mental distress arising from uncertainty about the validity of their degrees.
Concerned educationists and student representatives have demanded that SNLU authorities immediately clarify the BCI approval status for all ongoing batches. They stress that transparency is non-negotiable and that institutions must not admit students or continue programmes without valid regulatory recognition.
There have also been calls for the Bar Council of India to conduct prompt inspections and take necessary action to safeguard students’ interests.
Students currently enrolled at SNLU have been advised to seek written confirmation regarding BCI approval for their specific courses and batches and to consider appropriate legal recourse if required.
