‘Physical assault’ on prof: DUSU joint secy suspended for 2 months

The University of Delhi has issued an official order suspending Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) joint secretary Deepika Jha for two months, following an alleged incident of physical assault on Prof Sujit Kumar inside the office of the Principal of Dr BR Ambedkar College.

According to an order issued by the Office of the Proctor, an inquiry committee constituted by the university concluded that Jha’s conduct was “unacceptable and unbecoming” of a student and an office-bearer of DUSU. The committee held that the act amounted to “gross indiscipline” under University Ordinance XV-B.

Based on the committee’s recommendations, Jha has been suspended from the post of joint secretary, DUSU, for two months with immediate effect.

The order, however, states she is allowed to attend her regular classes and appear for examinations “in the interest of academics”.

During the suspension, she will be barred from entering the premises of any Delhi University-affiliated college for non-academic purposes.

She is also required to submit a written apology to Prof Kumar, and furnish an undertaking of good conduct.

Despite the university’s action, Prof Kumar strongly criticised the findings and the punishment, describing the report as “inadequate” and “biased”.

“The report submitted by the inquiry committee is merely an eyewash and appears to be a calculated move to provide a gateway for the culprit. The quantum of punishment is neither commensurate with the seriousness of the offence nor has the due process been followed while preparing the report. Permission to attend classes and appear for examinations is granted only during the pendency of an inquiry, not after a conclusive report… It seems as if the inquiry committee was meant to protect the culprit rather than deliver justice,” Prof Kumar said.

He added that the suspension period effectively overlapped with the winter academic break, which significantly reduced impact.

He said: “In a few days, preparatory leave for the examinations will begin, followed by the exams. After that, the colleges will reopen on January 2, 2026. Since Deepika Jha has been suspended only until January 14, it effectively amounts to just 12 days of actual suspension. This is completely unfair to me and to every professor in the university.”