Ambedkar University Delhi dismisses 2 faculty members for ‘involvement in irregularities’, faculty association protests

In its statement to The Indian Express, the University administration stated that it has taken disciplinary action against two professors, Prof Salil Misra and Prof Asmita Kabra, “by removing them from service due to their involvement in irregularities related to the one-time regularization/absorption policy for non-teaching staff.”

“This decision follows a thorough investigation and inquiry, initiated by the Directorate of Higher Education, Government of NCT of Delhi, which revealed several irregularities, including unauthorized appointments. The University’s Board of Management (BoM) constituted an inquiry committee to examine the matter, which found the aforementioned professors responsible for the irregularities… After careful consideration of the inquiry report, written representations and vigilance division inputs, the BoM resolved to remove Prof. Salil Misra and Prof. Asmita Kabra from service, effective immediately,” it added.

The controversy centres on a 2018 policy approved by the University’s BOM to regularise contractual non-teaching staff. The two faculty members, then serving in administrative roles as pro-vice-chancellor and acting registrar, were tasked with implementing this decision, a move that was, according to AUDFA, “duly approved in 2018 by the BOM of AUD” and carried out “in good faith and with no mala fide intent.”

The policy was overturned in 2020 under the guidance of the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE).

The AUDFA stated that the professors have endured “immense trauma, mental harassment, and the financial burden of litigation and legal defense for five years.” Their dismissal, AUDFA added, is “a terrible precedent” that could instil fear among faculty members about assuming administrative positions, fearing similar repercussions if policies they implement are later politicised.

“To hold them individually liable and punish them reeks of vendetta and bias,” the Association further stated.

“We see this as an attack against the human rights and dignity of our colleagues,” the statement added, urging universities across the country to rally in support of the dismissed professors.