Relief for BHU

The SC/ST Commission had issued the warrant on June 19 in connection with a complaint filed by two BHU teachers alleging discrimination on the basis of caste by the university administration.

It had also issued notices to the Commission and the two BHU teachers and asked them to file their counter-affidavits.

Hearing the petition filed by Dr Singh challenging the Commission’s warrant,a division bench of Justices Sunil Ambwani and Bharat Bhushan said: “As an interim measure,we stay the execution of the warrant dated June 19,and in-person appearance of the petitioner before the Commission. The petitioner will,however,appear after the preliminary investigation into the complaint is over,and after an order is passed by the Commission communicating the object and purpose for which the personal presence of the Vice-Chancellor is required.”

The court,however,said the Commission would complete its investigation after the issue of its jurisdiction,vis-à-vis its power to summon the V-C in the matter,was decided.

The V-C,through his counsel,argued that the teachers’ complaint pertained to service matters,over which the Commission did not have jurisdiction to initiate probe. The teachers had alleged they were denied a particular accommodation because they belonged to Scheduled Caste. One of the two teachers had earlier approached the High Court with the same complaint,but the court had dismissed it.