Delhi High Court (file photo)
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has stayed the suspension of Professor Rasal Singh, Principal of Ramanujan College, Delhi University. The suspension followed allegations of harassment and misconduct raised by three faculty members, including the daughter of a former Union cabinet minister.Professor Singh had approached the court through a writ petition, challenging his suspension on the grounds that he was not given an opportunity to be heard and that the allegations were politically motivated to defame and remove him. The petition also claimed that the complaints were retaliatory, as one of the complainants had been denied promotion due to incomplete documentation before the college’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). Senior counsel Geeta Luthra represented Professor Singh.The petition further stated that he had made several representations, including to the Prime Minister’s Office, seeking intervention against what he described as conspiratorial collusion and political victimisation.He alleged that he was being pressured to resign prior to his suspension. Media reports suggested that many members of the college’s Governing Body were not consulted during the suspension decision, indicating a possible larger conspiracy. The petition argued that the proceedings violated principles of natural justice, as no hearing was provided before the committee issued its findings, news agency ANI reported. While granting interim relief, the High Court observed that under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 and the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015, the matter should have been referred to the college’s duly constituted Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The court noted that the committee constituted by the university and its report were not in accordance with the law. The case will now be examined by the ICC, which has jurisdiction to conduct the inquiry.The court also highlighted Professor Singh’s distinguished academic career, unblemished service record and reputation for diligence and integrity, observing that he appeared to have become a victim of personal vendetta and vested interests, resulting in his suspension. Under his leadership, Ramanujan College’s NIRF ranking improved from 65 to 37 in just one year. When contacted, Professor Singh declined to comment on the merits of the case, stating: “Since the matter is sub judice, I do not wish to comment. I place my full faith in the Indian judicial system and will abide by the directions of the Hon’ble High Court.”The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on October 15.
