PRESS RELEASE, 19.12.13

The DUTA along with the Staff Association of Hindu College staged a Dharna in the College today to demand the withdrawal of the suspension of two teachers of the College. A large number of teachers from across colleges in the University participated in the Dharna. The Daulat Ram College Staff Association sent an official delegation in solidarity.

Two teachers of the college, Mr. Jai Inderpal Singh and Mr. Arvind Chaudhry, were issued show cause notices on 25.9.13, by the Chairman of the Governing Body, Mr. SNP Punj, asking why action should not be taken against them for allegedly manhandling some colleagues in a Staff Association meeting held on 27.8.2013.The notice cited a complaint filed by the individuals who were allegedly manhandled. The two teachers were given time to reply till 25.10.13.

Even before receiving their reply, they were issued another letter by the Chairman on 12.10.13, informing them that they had been suspended, pending enquiry. Two teacher representatives on the GB testified in writing that such a decision had never been taken by the Governing Body, thus rendering the Chairman’s action completely illegal, besides being against the principles of natural justice.

The Staff Association of Hindu College in its meeting held on 25.10.13 had demanded withdrawal of the suspension of the teachers.

Meanwhile, a complaint filed by Mr Jai Inderpal Singh and Mr. Chaudhry on 23.10.13, had been forward by the Acting Principal to a Grievance Committee set up by the Staff Council, a statutory body. The Grievance Committee, in its report dated 27.11.12, has held the complaint lodged against the two as patently false, and the suspension as completely unjustified.

However, the Chairman, in blatant disregard of procedures, norms and facts, has proceeded with the enquiry against the two teachers, the hearings for which have been held in his private office at Punj Essen House, Nehru Place, a clear case of vested interest.

Many teachers speaking at the Dharna underlined the fact that these two teachers had been victimized for taking a stand against the corrupt nexus between the trustees of Hindu College, Shri Ram Group, and the Delhi University Administration.

The DUTA condemns the malafide actions of the Chairman as well as the dubious role played by the Officiating Principal. It demands immediate withdrawal of the suspension and a public apology to the two teachers who have been unjustly targeted. If these demands are not met, the DUTA will be compelled to intensify its action programme.