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NLS VC: Shortsgate controversy amicably resolved with Prof but apology status contested [UPDATE-2]

A press release by NLSIU Bangalore vice chancellor Venkata Rao sent to media today, stated that the “concerned professor and the students have amicably resolved the matter between them”.

The news of Professor V Nagaraj allegedly shaming a female student over having worn shorts to a lecture followed by inappropriate comments, had made national headlines after first reported by Legally India on 6 April, last week.

Rao’s statement today also noted: “We further request the media to kindly abstain from reporting this matter any further.”

“Additionally, it is further clarified that the matter as reported in certain sections of the media on 10th April about the tender of apology by the concerned professor on 9th April, is not correct,” added Rao’s statement.

However, one NLSIU student source close to the development told Legally India that Professor Nagaraj may not have apologised on 9 April (Saturday), but did apologise “profusely” on 10 April (Sunday) to the students during discussion, requesting students to keep his apology private and not to share it with the media.

However, the Bangalore Mirror and the Deccan Herald both reported on 10 April, citing student sources, that Nagaraj had expressed “regret” over the issue - presumably on the previous day (9 April).

Update 1: Added student source disagreeing on apology

Update 2 11 April: Nagaraj via email denied that he apologised:

I strongly deny the news reported in legallyindia.com today that according to one of the unidentified students, I have apologized for what has happened and asked the students to keep it to themselves and not to reveal it to media.

It is gross misrepresentation on the part of the student who reported. It is for the Vice-Chancellor as head of the institution to take appropriate action as he deems fit.

I would also like to add that I have informed the Vice-Chancellor that I will not be teaching the batch of students in question. As a Professor, keeping in mind the decorum of the institution and myself, I do not want to involve myself in such media trial.

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