SAU sacks associate professor 2 years after student protest row

The South Asian University (SAU) has terminated the services of associate professor Snehashish Bhattacharya from its Faculty of Economics, two years after he was suspended for allegedly supporting students during the stipend protests of 2022–23.

"In accordance with the recommendations of the executive council and the provisions under regulation 38.5, your services at the SAU are terminated with effect from June 16, 2023, — your date of suspension," an official order signed by the deputy registrar read.

The action comes more than three years after the protests broke out on the campus over the downward revision of stipends and demands for student representation in key committees.

Bhattacharya was among four faculty members — along with Dr Srinivas Burra, Dr Irfanullah Farooqi and Dr Ravi Kumar — who faced disciplinary action in December 2022 after voicing concerns over police action against protesting students and the expulsion of five students.

While the suspension of Burra and Kumar was revoked in March 2024, and Farooqi’s contract was terminated earlier this year, Bhattacharya continued to face proceedings before a disciplinary committee. On August 18, he was served a show-cause notice for termination “in view of the findings” of the panel.

Bhattacharya has consistently denied the charges, calling them arbitrary and motivated. He told the committee that the charges were based on collective emails written by faculty members concerned in 2022 questioning the university’s handling of the protests.

The process itself has been mired in controversy, with academics and civil society groups alleging lack of due process, denial of access to documents, and predetermined findings. Bhattacharya has already moved the Delhi High Court, where a Division Bench is set to hear his appeal on September 16.