The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on a petition filed by Professor Rasal Singh, Principal of Ramanujan College, challenging his suspension following complaints of harassment and misconduct made by three faculty members, including the daughter of a former Union Cabinet Minister.
During the hearing, the Court issued notice and heard detailed arguments from both sides. The Bench expressed serious concern over the procedure adopted by the College and the University, noting that the statutory mechanism for such complaints is referral to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the PoSH Act. The Court enquired whether the complainants had approached the ICC and questioned why an ad-hoc extra-judicial body was constituted instead, and what rules or guidelines governed its formation.
In his plea, Prof. Singh alleged severe lapses, malafide intent, and a conspiracy to remove him from office. He pointed out that one of the complainants lodged her grievance just a day after the college’s promotion list was issued and after being denied promotion on the ground of incomplete documentation before the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). The petition also contends that members of the ad-hoc committee simultaneously served on the Governing Body thereby “donning dual hats” and creating a conflict of interest and that he was not afforded an opportunity to be heard or given access to the documents relied upon despite repeated representations.
The High Court has reserved its order on the interim stay of the suspension.