Was he punished for participating in the Jantar Mantar protest? Assistant professor lost his job

Lucknow. The matter of termination of service of an assistant professor from Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh after joining the students’ movement at Jantar Mantar in Delhi is gaining momentum. Dr. Mohit Bhardwaj, Assistant Professor, Commerce Department, Sugarcane Growers (Post Graduate) College, Bahedi, has alleged that due to his involvement in the movement, the college management removed him from the job without notice, without departmental inquiry and without the approval of the competent authority.

He has submitted an application to the District Magistrate demanding an impartial investigation into the entire matter, restoration of service and action against the responsible officers.

When he returned from Jantar Mantar, he was given expulsion letter.

Dr. Mohit Bhardwaj alleges that he was going to join the movement organized at Jantar Mantar in Delhi in support of the students. He claimed that an attempt was made to put him under house arrest, but he reached Delhi through the roof and joined the protest. He says that as soon as he returned to Bareilly the next day, the college management handed him a termination letter. When he asked the reason, no satisfactory answer was given.

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‘Action taken without notice and hearing’

Dr. Bhardwaj alleged that he was neither given any show cause notice, nor was a departmental inquiry conducted, nor was he given an opportunity to present his side. He has called it a blatant violation of the principles of natural justice and the rules related to self-financed colleges of Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Department.

Cited from appointment to character certificate

According to Dr. Bhardwaj, his appointment was made on 20 June 2024 after the approval of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University and he assumed charge on 11 July 2024. He told that the college had issued him an identity card valid till June 30, 2027. Not only this, a character certificate was also given on 20 May 2026 for excellent work and conduct. In such a situation, he has termed the sudden termination of service as a malicious action.

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Appealed for justice to DM

The professor has demanded from the District Magistrate to conduct a high-level inquiry into the matter, put a stay on the termination order till the investigation is completed, reinstatement of service, outstanding salary and other service benefits. Along with this, action has also been taken against the officials who violate the rules and an appeal has also been made to the Chief Minister to intervene and provide justice. At present, no official statement has come from the college management in this matter.

In such a situation, now all eyes are on the investigation of the administration and the college management. If the professor’s allegations are found true, then this matter can also raise big questions on the rights of employees and administrative procedures in higher education institutions in the state.