Student expulsions at Ambedkar varsity raise questions over fairness of inquiries

Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) is facing sharp criticism after expelling four students and debarring two others, raising serious concerns over the fairness and transparency of the university’s disciplinary process. Students and faculty members allege that the actions are arbitrary, aimed at silencing dissent and intended to undermine the newly elected student union.

Since June, AUD has expelled Nadia (MA Development Studies), Sharanya (MA Performance Studies, Student Council Treasurer), Shefali (MA Environment & Development) and Shubhojeet (PhD Development Studies, Student Council member). Ajay and Keerthana, both Master of Design students, have been debarred from re-admission.

Student groups claim the proctorial inquiries preceding the disciplinary action were fundamentally flawed. In one instance, the Delhi High Court quashed the inquiry altogether. In other cases, the Court had to intervene to compel the administration to complete inquiries that were delayed well beyond the three-month limit set by the university’s own rules. Alleged procedural lapses include the absence of show-cause notices, denial of cross-examination and repeated last-minute cancellations of inquiry meetings.

“The expulsion must be revoked immediately and an enquiry held into the flawed process. Even if statutes are absent, public law requires a show-cause notice, time to respond and the right to cross-examine witnesses — all of which were bypassed. I strongly condemn this and the Vice-Chancellor must be held accountable. AUD must be restored to its true spirit through education, critical thinking, solidarity and creativity,” said Prof. Nandita Narain, former President of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA).

Critics have also pointed to inconsistencies in the university’s disciplinary actions. While student leaders have faced the harshest penalties, individuals involved in ragging were reportedly allowed back on campus within a month, despite initially receiving a year-long suspension.

“At AUD, the administration decides a student’s fate first and then conducts the proctorial inquiry. Unlike JNU, there is no statutory procedure, giving the administration a free hand to harass some students while letting others go scot-free,” said Shubhojeet, PhD scholar and Student Council member.

The AUD Student Council has demanded the immediate revocation of all expulsions and the establishment of a clear, participatory process for disciplinary inquiries. Council members urged the university to uphold campus democracy and protect the right to dissent.