Venugopal had moved to the high court in February, 2022 against the varsity's order. After hearing the submission of the counsels of both sides, Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya issued his order on Wednesday.
Calcutta HC sets aside Visva Bharati's professor's suspension
Calcutta High Court has set aside a showcase and the suspension of the assistant professor of Visva Bharati University. On February 24, 2021, the Visva Bharati authorities had issued showcase to Rajesh Kaleerakath Venugopal, assistant professor of Rabindra dance and drama at the varsity’s Sangeet Bhavana, asking him to clarify why action would not be taken against him for negligence in duty and misconduct.
Some of the sources in the varsity had also accused the Visva Bharati authorities of adopting a vindictive attitude towards Venugopal as he is the secretary of the university teachers’ organization Adhyapak Sabha. The sources had said the authorities, particularly vice-chancellor Bidyut Chakrabarty, were allegedly opposed to some activities of the Sabha and hence, the action against Venugopal, as reported by telegraphindia.
As per the reports, after receiving the reply to its showcase, the authorities have appointed the acting registrar-general to conduct a probe against Venugopal on February 27, 2021. After getting the acting registrar general’s report, the authorities suspended Venugopal on March 13, 2021.
However, Venugopal had moved to the high court in February, 2022 against the varsity's order. After hearing the submission of the counsels of both sides, Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya issued his order on Wednesday.
In the order, the judge held: “This Court is of the view that since the Registrar (Acting) did not have the power to initiate disciplinary action against the petitioner, who is an Adhyapaka of the University, the defect of jurisdiction goes to the root of the matter and nullifies all subsequent steps taken thereafter.” The Chargesheet and the order of suspension are hence without authority and should be quashed on that basis.”
Read More:
Follow Shiksha.com for latest education news in detail on Exam Results, Dates, Admit Cards, & Schedules, Colleges & Universities news related to Admissions & Courses, Board exams, Scholarships, Careers, Education Events, New education policies & Regulations.
To get in touch with Shiksha news team, please write to us at news@shiksha.com
She has over 10 years of experience in the education and publishing sectors. She specialises in exam coverage and content creation. At Shiksha, she writes, analyses, and presents information for students preparing f
Read Full Bio