'Women In Shorts Invites Harassment': NLU Trichy VC's Remarks Spark Outrage

Last Updated:April 17, 2026, 23:11 IST

VC Nagaraj reportedly said that girls wearing shorts “invite sexual harassment” and create a distraction for other students and faculty.

A remark by the Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) linking women wearing shorts to “inviting sexual harassment" has triggered strong protests on campus, with students demanding an apology and condemning what they termed a regressive mindset.

The controversy arose after Vice Chancellor V Nagaraj, while addressing class representatives on April 15, reportedly said that girls wearing shorts “invite sexual harassment" and create a distraction for other students and faculty. His comments, made during a meeting that touched on the university’s image and student conduct, quickly sparked outrage among students.

On Thursday night, students staged an overnight protest on campus, holding placards with messages such as “Blame the mindset, not clothes." They argued that the Vice Chancellor’s remarks amounted to victim-blaming and undermined efforts to promote gender equality and a safe learning environment.

A source at TNNLU defended Nagaraj’s comments, describing them as “fatherly advice" made in the interest of the institution’s reputation. A senior official also attempted to ease tensions by characterising the statement in similar terms.

Facing mounting anger, Nagaraj later addressed the students and claimed his words had been taken out of context. “I was speaking about admissions and the reputation of our university and asked the students to promote it. I made the statement in this context… In my personal opinion, if you want to improve the institution’s reputation, then presentable dress may be one factor," he said, declining to answer specific questions about the controversial remark.

Despite his clarification, students continued to demand an apology, maintaining that clothing should never be linked to sexual harassment and that institutional leaders must uphold a more progressive and rights-based approach to campus culture.NLU Trichy VC’s Remarks Spark Outrage

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