The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) has condemned the JNU Court’s minutes regarding the termination of faculty member Rohan Choudhari. JNUTA announced a protest on October 17 to oppose the decision and alleged rule violations.
JNUTA stated the JNU Court minutes, from its 52nd meeting, admitted university statutes and ordinances were violated in Dr. Choudhari’s termination. The association calls this a clear admission of fact.
Chancellor’s Remarks and JNUTA’s Response
The Chancellor observed that “a probationer is always a probationer,” reportedly lamenting the politicization of what was viewed as an ordinary service matter. JNUTA professors criticized these remarks, stating they were “off the mark.”
JNUTA alleged the Vice-Chancellor (VC) may have misled the Chancellor. They claim the VC implied CCS (Conduct) rules apply to JNU faculty, potentially excluding them from Indian Constitution’s Article 19(1)(c) rights.
Past Allegations and Rule Violations
JNUTA previously wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, the university’s Visitor, twice regarding Dr. Choudhari’s “illegal termination.” These letters also flagged issues faced by two other faculty members. Teachers described the VC’s tenure as “dark ages” in earlier communications, alleging abuse of power.
JNUTA stated a probationer is not “always” a probationer. Law requires Executive Council approval with proper justification for any extension beyond one year. The JNU administration reportedly ignored recommendations from the chairperson and Dean in Rohan Choudhari’s case.
Allegations of Suppressing Dissent
JNUTA claims minutes from recent JNU decision-making bodies often contain “deliberate omissions of the real and insertions of the fictional.” Teachers alleged this practice extended to “silencing” Members of Parliament in the minutes concerning Dr. Choudhari’s termination.
JNUTA accused the Vice-Chancellor of a monarchical style of rule. The association stated teachers are expected to accept the VC’s actions as correct, both legally and morally, simply because they are her decisions. Questioning such decisions is reportedly considered “treason” by the administration.
Broader Issues and Solidarity Fund
JNUTA stated the concerns are not limited to Dr. Choudhari’s termination. They include issues with promotions, probation extensions, confirmation processes, faculty and non-teaching staff recruitment, and house allotments.
To support colleagues facing similar situations, JNUTA announced the creation of a Solidarity Fund. This fund aims to aid faculty members while the struggle for justice continues.
Protest Details
JNUTA called on colleagues to join a protest dharna. The protest will take place on October 17 , between 12 noon and 2 pm , in front of the SSS2 building. The dharna aims to oppose the JNU Court’s decision and the administration’s alleged contemptuous attitude toward teachers.