DUSU Joint Secy’s suspension revoked a week earlier

Professor Sujit Kumar has expressed disappointment over the University of Delhi’s decision to revoke the suspension of Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) joint secretary Deepika Jha, of the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), stating that the move sends a wrong message to students and undermines discipline on the campus.

The suspension of Jha, which was imposed on November 14, 2025, for two months following an alleged physical altercation with the professor, was revoked on January 7, after the university reviewed her request and conduct during the suspension period.

Prof Kumar said the decision fails to act as a deterrent and weakens the authority of academic institutions.

“I am very disappointed with this decision of the University. They are setting an example for students where slapping a professor does not invite strict punishment. It was not a slap on my face but all the teachers of the University,” Prof Kumar told The Tribune. He added that the revocation does not amount to a meaningful disciplinary action. “This is not a punishment for anyone who slaps a professor,” he remarked.

According to Prof Kumar, the university had earlier informed him that as part of the disciplinary process, Jha would submit a written apology. However, he claimed that no such apology had been received so far. “The university told me she would give a written apology, but she has not given apologised even orally,” he said.

Jha, who holds the post of Joint Secretary of the DUSU, was suspended following an alleged incident on the evening of November 14, when she reportedly slapped Prof Kumar inside the principal’s office at BR Ambedkar College. The incident had sparked widespread outrage across the university community, with several teachers’ associations condemning the act and demanding strict action.

In its official notice, the University of Delhi stated that the decision to revoke the suspension was taken after examining Jha’s written request dated January 5 and assessing her behaviour during the suspension period. “After examining the request and her conduct during the suspension, the competent authority has decided to revoke the suspension. The order stands withdrawn with effect from January 7,” the notice read.

The revocation has, however, drawn criticism from sections of the teaching fraternity, who argue that such decisions could set a dangerous precedent. Teachers’ bodies had earlier raised concerns over campus safety, respect for faculty members and the need to uphold discipline within educational institutions.

While the university has not issued any further clarification on the matter, the development has once again brought the issue of student conduct, accountability and institutional discipline in universities into sharp focus.