DU teachers’ body chief moves HC, seeks stay on inquiry panel

NEW DELHI: The Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) president Nandita Narain has moved the Delhi high court, seeking a stay on a fact-finding committee (FCC) constituted by the university to investigate allegations of interference in the functioning of three colleges.

Narain, who is a mathematics professor in St Stephen’s college, was asked to appear before the panel on Monday but she skipped the meeting and choose to move the court.

“I have moved the Delhi high court against the arbitrary action by the university. They have constituted an inquiry after over one year has passed since these incidents. This is a vindictive act. It not an attack on me but on DUTA,” said Narain.

In a communication to the university registrar, Narain has requested to defer the proceedings of the FCC until the outcome of the court proceedings.

The petition, which is listed for hearing on Tuesday before justice Sunil Gaur, has contended that “arbitrary and illegal” inquiry proceedings have been initiated against her by the university at the behest of vicechancellor Dinesh Singh and St Stephen’s principal Valson Thampu of whom Narain has been a vocal critic.

Narain said that she received a communication from panel that she can appear before it till 3pm but no further deferment would be initiated. “I have asked them for two weeks’ time to collect my papers. Why do they want to finish the inquiry in just one day,” she said.

Meanwhile, DUTA held a protest against the V-C over the formation of the committee.