UP professor alleges dismissal after attending Jantar Mantar protest; seeks documents on termination

 

An assistant professor from Uttar Pradesh has alleged that he was dismissed from his teaching position shortly after participating in a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, raising questions about due process and academic freedom.

Dr. Mohit Bhardwaj, a 32-year-old Assistant Professor of Commerce at Ganna Utpadak PG College in Baheri, Bareilly, claims he was informed of his termination a day after returning from the demonstrations. The college has responded to the allegations through its principal, but a detailed official explanation for the dismissal is still awaited.

Professor links termination to protest participation

According to Dr. Bhardwaj, he travelled to Delhi to participate in the ongoing demonstrations in support of students and returned to campus only to learn that his services had been terminated.

He has publicly alleged that his participation in the protest was the reason behind the decision. Dr. Bhardwaj also stated that he faced police baton charges during the demonstrations before returning to Bareilly.

The professor has further alleged that the chairman of the college's managing society, Rajendra Kumar, has political affiliations that may have influenced the decision. These allegations have not been independently verified.

Questions raised over due process

Dr. Bhardwaj has written to the college administration seeking documents related to his dismissal.

In his representation, he has requested:

• Copies of any complaints filed against him.
• Details and reports of any departmental inquiry.
• Copies of any show-cause notice or charge sheet issued before termination.
• Minutes of the meeting in which the decision to terminate his services was taken.

He has also argued that since his appointment had received approval from the affiliating university, any termination should similarly require approval from the competent university authority or the Vice-Chancellor, which he claims was not obtained.

Additionally, Dr. Bhardwaj pointed to a character certificate issued by the college principal in May 2026 that reportedly praised his conduct and professional performance.

College yet to issue detailed explanation

The principal of Ganna Utpadak PG College has responded to the matter. However, the institution has not yet publicly released a detailed explanation outlining the reasons for the professor's termination or addressing the procedural issues raised by him.

As of now, the allegations made by Dr. Bhardwaj remain his claims, and the college has not publicly confirmed that his participation in the protest was linked to the decision.

Matter likely to attract scrutiny

The case comes amid wider discussions on academic autonomy, employee rights, and procedural safeguards in higher education institutions. With the professor seeking official records related to his dismissal, the issue could draw further attention if the matter is taken up before the affiliating university or other legal forums.

Until a detailed response is issued by the college or the relevant authorities, the circumstances surrounding the termination remain under scrutiny.