JNU teachers seek removal of VC in third open letter to President

In a sharply worded third open letter to President Droupadi Murmu, teachers at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have renewed calls for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, alleging a continuing breakdown of governance and violations of institutional norms.

The teachers claim the VC has turned JNU into “a model of governance where decisions are taken according to the whims and fancies of the VC,” adding her conduct shows “a dismissive attitude, even an affront, to your esteemed office.” Despite two appeals in September, they say there has been “no effort at correction.”

The letter cites the case of a professor whose pending promotion was not processed even at the time of her retirement. Calling it “an act of spite,” the teachers say the decision violated her right to be considered for promotion, noting “not a single official communication” indicated she was ineligible.

They warned JNU is being turned into “a private fiefdom,” and urge the President to intervene.