Assault on prof: Delhi varsity teachers’ assn protests inaction

The Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) on Thursday held a protest at the University of Delhi, condemning the “lack of disciplinary action” in a case involving the slapping of Professor Sujit Kumar of Dr BR Ambedkar College. He was allegedly slapped by Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Joint Secretary Deepika Jha.

Teachers from various colleges gathered at the Faculty of Arts, raising 12 key issues, including pay protection for temporary and ad-hoc teachers, a review of the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF), and the restoration of the World University Service (WUS) Health Centre facilities in colleges. DUTA members said the incident of the alleged assault reflected a deeper administrative failure that needed urgent redress.

Speaking to The Tribune during the protest, Prof Sujit said, “The university administration had failed to take any action despite clear provisions under Ordinance XV-B, which outlines disciplinary measures against students involved in misconduct.”

“The Vice-Chancellor has not taken any disciplinary action that is mandated under Ordinance XV-B. This amounts to no action against the student, despite the fact that she has been proven guilty,” he added.

DUTA office-bearers argued that the incident had created an atmosphere of insecurity among teachers and urged the VC to uphold institutional integrity. They also criticised what they termed as a growing trend of student leaders acting with impunity.

Professor Uma Gupta said, “The pressure on teachers from the DUTA and the resultant pressure on the university authorities by them resulted in the suspension of Jha from her post for two months for the physical assault of a teacher, despite the current political scenario. But is this really an adequate punishment, or can it even be called a punishment? If we look at the DU’s Ordinance XV-B, the answer is no!”

“At today’s DUTA protest, there was hardly any teacher who wasn’t grappling with this question. Expressing unity in the struggle over the various issues raised, most teachers criticised the DU administration’s decision to suspend the DUSU member for only two months. They urged DUTA to carry forward, with full strength and fight for teachers’ safety and dignity, in keeping with its legacy of struggle,” a professor said, while addressing protesters.

The association announced that it would intensify its agitation if the administration did not initiate immediate action and address the pending academic and service-related demands.

In this context, a press conference has been scheduled for tomorrow by the teachers concerned and students of the University of Delhi, which will be addressed by Prof Sujit himself.