Delhi University Teachers Demand Expulsion of DUSU Leader Over Assault on Professor

A wave of protests has erupted across Delhi University (DU) following the alleged assault of Dr Sujit Kumar, a senior professor at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, by Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Joint Secretary Deepika Jha. The October 16 incident has triggered widespread condemnation from faculty bodies across the university, who have united in demanding immediate disciplinary and legal action against the accused.

Faculty members from 35 DU-affiliated colleges have joined forces under the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) banner, denouncing the assault as an attack on academic dignity and institutional integrity. They have also accused the university administration of delaying strong action despite what they describe as “clear and direct evidence.”

Collective Outrage Across Campus

The protest, held at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, saw participation from several leading faculty members, including DUTA President Professor V. S. Negi and Secretary Professor Bimalendu Tirthankar, who called for the immediate expulsion of Deepika Jha. They emphasized that the university must safeguard the sanctity of academic spaces and ensure that violence or intimidation finds no place within the campus community.

Several other notable figures, including Professor Rajiv Ray (former DUTA President), Professor Sunil Sharma (DU Executive Council member), and Professor T. N. Ojha (Academic Council member), also expressed deep concern over the growing culture of impunity within student politics. Professors Abha Dev Habib, Rajesh Jha, Sanjay Kumar, Ashwani Shankar, V. S. Dixit, and Rudrashish echoed the call for swift and transparent disciplinary proceedings.

University Administration Faces Criticism

Teachers’ associations have accused the DU administration of taking a “passive stance,” stating that merely forming enquiry committees without decisive outcomes undermines faculty morale and the credibility of institutional processes. A DUTA delegation reportedly met Dean of Colleges Professor Balram Pani twice and staged flash protests, but concrete administrative measures remain pending.

In a show of solidarity, the staff council of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College convened an emergency meeting, reinstating Professor Sujit Kumar to the Disciplinary Committee after rejecting his earlier resignation submitted under pressure.

Next Phase of Protest

Faculty members have scheduled a General Body Meeting on November 3 to determine the next phase of their agitation. The protest is expected to intensify if the university does not take firm action against the accused.

The incident has reignited a wider debate about campus safety, student accountability, and governance within higher education institutions. Many teachers argue that unchecked student aggression threatens both academic freedom and the ethical foundations of universities.

As Delhi University faces mounting pressure from its academic community, the administration’s response will likely shape future discourse on discipline, respect, and integrity in India’s higher education system.