Following the dismissal of two teachers from Hindu College for a scuffle held seven months ago, the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) is now struggling to get an appointment with the Vice-Chancellor of the university for retracting the decision.
According to the DUTA president Nandita Narain, meeting V-C Dinesh Singh is the only option they have left, but unfortunately he hasn’t met them regarding any issue in the past. “In this case we really want to meet him because he is the only one who can stop the dismissal of the teachers. So, we are hoping that he will make an exception and see us. We are awaiting his response,” she said.
The teachers were dismissed on Friday after six members of the trust overruled five university representatives during an enquiry. Thus, with one extra vote in favour of the dismissal, the two teachers were dismissed. DUTA had held an emergency meeting where the Academic and Executive Counsels decided to approach the V-C. DUTA says that the teachers were not given a fair chance. “The inquiry was conducted in a one-sided manner and the teachers were not even given the proceedings of enquiry. This violates all rules and regulations of natural justice as per Ordinance 12. Additionally, there was a scuffle between four teachers. So, why are only two being targeted,” said Narain. Meanwhile, the faculty of Hindu College may be planning a protest. However, when The Pioneer sought a response from V-C on the matter, Singh refused to comment.
The teachers had got into a scuffle almost seven months back over the matter of whether or not to allow alcohol consumption at an alumni event, a source said. “The scuffle had taken place during a general body meeting and turned ugly when a crowd got involved,” he added.