The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) sent its third letter this year to President Droupadi Murmu on November 21 . The association requested the immediate removal of JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. JNUTA alleged a severe governance crisis and “no corrective action” by the VC regarding previous appeals.
Faculty Promotion Denial Sparks Legal Concern
JNUTA’s letter highlighted the denial of promotion for a senior faculty member. Her promotion application has been pending since 2019 . The faculty member retired in September without the promotion being processed. JNUTA stated the Vice-Chancellor publicly assured the promotion would proceed. The association alleged the VC reneged on her promise.
This prevented the faculty member from appearing before a Selection Committee. JNUTA called this a “gross violation” of fundamental rights. Specifically, they cited Article 14 and Article 16 (1) . The association cited the Supreme Court ruling in Ajit Singh vs State of Punjab 1999 . This ruling confirms a fundamental right to be considered for promotion if eligible. No official communication declared the faculty member ineligible. JNUTA believes the decision to not form a selection committee was driven by “petty considerations.” The association questioned if the President could “exonerate such an act.”
Allegations of Court Manipulation
JNUTA also accused the Vice-Chancellor of manipulating university court proceedings. This concerned the “unjustifiable termination” of a young faculty member. The association claimed the VC scratched out observations from the the October 10 meeting. JNUTA stated this was for the VC’s “personal vendetta.” The termination case reached the university court because the VC invoked Section 11(2) of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Act, 1966 . JNUTA called this a “face-saving tactic.” The association believes the VC’s original decision lacked legal merit.
During a September 19 court meeting, the VC reportedly realized personal appearance could not sway the outcome. She then challenged the court’s authority to review the decision. The VC invoked an arbitration clause in teachers’ employment contracts. JNUTA warned that operationalizing this clause would draw the President’s office into a legal dispute. The President, as the Visitor, is part of the arbitration mechanism. Teachers questioned if the VC sought President Murmu’s approval before presenting this position to the Delhi High Court.
Corruption Allegations in Faculty Appointments
JNUTA raised serious allegations of corruption in faculty recruitments. The association claimed past service in lower-paid positions was “illegitimately counted.” This allegedly helped determine eligibility for assistant professor roles. Some candidates reportedly worked as freelance translators before meeting basic qualifications. These qualifications include the National Eligibility Test (NET) or completing a PhD. JNUTA pointed out beneficiaries are “related and connected” to the Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). The Vice-Chancellor appointed this Director.
Teachers raised this matter with the university and the Executive Council. JNUTA stated the VC “simply pushed through” these appointments. She did not permit any discussion. The association interpreted this as a “tacit admission of guilt.”
Call for Vice-Chancellor’s Removal
The JNUTA reiterated its demand for the Vice-Chancellor’s removal. The association reminded President Murmu that the VC holds office at the Visitor’s pleasure. JNUTA stated the VC’s conduct “undermines the legitimacy” of the highest constitutional office. The teachers urged President Murmu to use her powers. They requested action to end the “destruction” at JNU. This action includes removing the Vice-Chancellor from office.