NEW DELHI – Delhi University (DU) has suspended Deepika Jha, Joint Secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), for two months with immediate effect. The suspension follows findings from a six-member committee. The committee investigated the assault on Sujit Kumar, a professor at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College (BRAC). The incident occurred in the Principal’s office.
An official order stated, “On the basis of the recommendations of the committee, as approved by the Competent Authority, Ms. Deepika Jha is hereby suspended from the post of Joint Secretary (DUSU) for a period of two months with immediate effect.”
Committee Findings and Disciplinary Action
The six-member committee reviewed the assault case. It concluded Jha’s conduct was “unacceptable and unbecoming” for a student and a DUSU office bearer. The committee described the incident as a serious breach of discipline. DU’s Competent Authority approved these recommendations.
The university cited Ordinance XV-B 3 (a) of its Ordinances. This ordinance defines physical assault as an act of gross indiscipline. The suspension decision aligns with these disciplinary guidelines.
Terms of Suspension
- Deepika Jha cannot enter any college affiliated with Delhi University during her suspension.
- She must submit a written apology to Professor Sujit Kumar.
- Jha must provide a written undertaking of good conduct.
- She may continue attending classes and appearing in examinations.
- The Enquiry Committee will review her conduct. The suspension will be revoked based on this review.
The official order noted, “However, in the interest of academics, she may continue attending her classes and appear in the examinations. Her suspension shall be revoked after a review of her conduct by the Enquiry Committee.”
The BRAC Incident
The incident involved Jha reportedly entering Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College with approximately 50 students. She then allegedly slapped Professor Sujit Kumar. Jha also reportedly pressured other teachers regarding disciplinary committee decisions. The incident drew widespread criticism from teacher associations.
Teacher groups, including the Democratic Teachers Front (DTF), condemned the assault. Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh also criticized the incident. Teachers consistently called for strict action and measures to protect faculty from harassment.
Student Group Reactions and Comparisons
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student organization Jha is affiliated with, defended her actions at the time. ABVP claimed Professor Kumar misbehaved with students and acted with political bias.
Some teachers’ associations highlighted perceived inconsistencies in disciplinary actions. They cited past instances where National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) office bearers, involved in protests, were reportedly barred from examinations. This restriction was not applied in Jha’s case. Teachers’ groups have urged for uniform application of disciplinary rules.
The university’s decision to suspend Jha for two months underscores its commitment to maintaining campus discipline and protecting faculty members from physical assault and harassment.