Tension brews over new guidelines at Sirsa varsity

Tension is brewing at law department of Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU), Sirsa, in the wake of recent administrative changes and new disciplinary guidelines.

The controversy began after Prof Mukesh Garg was removed from the post of head of department (HoD) on April 18, following complaints of misbehaviour and irregularities.

The university appointed Prof Ashok Makkar, dean of the faculty of law department, as the acting chairperson.

Prof Makkar issued a notice restricting the faculty from attending farewell and fresher parties organised by students without prior permission. The order stated that any teacher attending such events during office hours would be marked absent and held responsible in case of any untoward incident.

The students and faculty has termed the restriction as arbitrary. A group of LLB students said they had organised a farewell for their seniors and had invited all teachers on Saturday. However, on the same day, the new HoD’s letter stopped faculty from attending, leaving students disappointed.

Prof Makkar said the step had been taken purely in the interest of maintaining discipline.

He said his intention was not to restrict freedom but to ensure smooth academic functioning, especially with exams approaching. He added that such events were often held in hotels and in case an untoward incident takes place, teachers face the wrath.

In a separate development, a notice from Vivekananda Library’s administration, also under Prof Makkar, reminded the staff to avoid leaving early, bringing children to work or engaging in gossip during office hours.

Sources in the university said a committee had been formed to investigate earlier complaints and review the overall situation in the department. Until the final report is submitted, the current orders would remain in place.