Ambedkar University revokes suspension of PG student, says decision taken keeping in mind her future

In her communication, accessed by The Indian Express, the student wrote, “On January 28, 2025, I shared a statement engaging critically with your Republic Day address, raising concerns about its interpretation of a historical event and its implications for students, particularly those from marginalised communities. My email, while critical, was intended as an academic intervention, not as a personal attack or a violation of institutional discipline.”

“However, on February 17, 2025, I was issued a show cause notice alleging that my email contained ‘derogatory and disrespectful’ language and had violated the university’s revised email policy. In my response dated February 24, 2025, I clarified that my language was metaphorical, intended to critique ideas rather than individuals, and that no policy explicitly prohibits students from engaging with public addresses made by university authorities,” the student wrote.

In her Republic Day speech at the varsity, the V-C had mentioned the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, stating that the issue is 525 years old and not a new issue. She applauded the state for the establishment of the temple (Ram Mandir) and called for Dr B R Ambedkar to be a national figure instead of being only for the Dalit community.

When contacted earlier, V-C Lather had referred to the administration’s statement and said she stood by what she said in the speech.

In her communication, the student also wrote that she appeared before the Proctorial Board on February 28 to present her position. “Despite my engagement with the process, the suspension order issued on March 21 cited my lack of an apology as a factor in the decision, which is deeply concerning. An academic critique — especially one grounded in widely accepted historical and legal facts — should not require an apology to be considered valid,” she added.

“The decision to suspend me not only restricts my right to academic expression but also raises concerns about the fairness and proportionality of disciplinary measures at AUD…. Furthermore, the restriction of my university email ID has significantly impacted my ability to continue my education… This has placed me at a disadvantage as a student and has caused considerable stress at a critical stage in my final semester,” she continued.

Following this, the university in its order directed the student to “wholeheartedly” focus on academic pursuits, warning that non-adherence “might attract appropriate disciplinary action”.

In a separate statement issued the same day, the university said it had followed due process in handling the matter. “… The student was given multiple opportunities to present her side of the matter. The Proctorial Board attempted to hear her twice, and she also appealed to the Vice-Chancellor.”

“Taking her appeal into consideration, the Vice-Chancellor directed the Proctorial Board to review the matter once again. The board invited the student to present her case on April 3 but she did not appear. After thorough consideration of the appeal, the Vice-Chancellor directed the proctorial board to show some leniency in this specific case… then (the) board, after due deliberations, recommended allowing the student to continue her academic pursuit under strict disciplinary guidelines. This decision was made while keeping in mind the university’s integrity, academic environment, and the student’s future,” the statement read.

The student had been suspended for six months in March; the punishment included a ban from the university premises.

The disciplinary action triggered protests on campus, with students and faculty members questioning the administration’s treatment of dissent. Last week, the university issued a show-cause notice to an associate professor for allegedly addressing a student-led public meeting.