DU suspends DUSU joint secretary for 2 months for slapping BR Ambedkar college professor

The Competent Authority of the University of Delhi has suspended Deepika Jha, joint secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), for two months with “immediate effect”. The decision follows the findings of a six-member committee constituted to investigate the assault on Sujit Kumar, a professor at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College (BRAC), which occurred in the Principal’s office.

“On the basis of the recommendations of the committee, as approved by the Competent Authority, Ms. Deepika Jha is hereby suspended from the post of Joint Secretary (DUSU) for a period of two months with immediate effect,” the official order said.

The committee, after reviewing the case, concluded that Jha’s conduct was “unacceptable and unbecoming” for a student and office bearer of DUSU, and described the incident as a serious breach of discipline.

The competent authority stated, “this act of physical assault is an act of gross indiscipline as per Ordinance XV-B 3 (a) of the Ordinances of the University.”

DU Faculty Assault Case: Committee recommendations

The panel’s recommendations, approved by the competent authority, stipulate that during her suspension, Jha will not be allowed to enter any college affiliated with the University.

She is required to submit a written apology to Sujit Kumar and provide an undertaking of good conduct. However, she is permitted to continue attending classes and appearing in examinations. The suspension will be reviewed based on her conduct.

“However, in the interest of academics, she may continue attending her classes and appear in the examinations. Her suspension shall be revoked after a review of her conduct by the Enquiry Committee,” outlined in the official order.

Following the announcement of the suspension, an associate professor from Miranda House, DU, criticised the punishment as insufficient. The professor described it as “a farce” since it coincides with the exam period and Deepika Jha is allowed to continue attending classes and appearing in exams.

“This is no punishment, no deterrent for others. If a senior teacher can be physically attacked and humiliated, imagine what such a mob can do to non-teaching staff or younger colleagues,” she said.

BRAC Incident: Deepika Jha suspended by Delhi University

The incident drew widespread criticism from teachers’ associations, including the Democratic Teachers Front (DTF) and Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh. It involved Jha reportedly entering the college with around 50 students, slapping Kumar, and pressuring other teachers regarding disciplinary committee decisions.

Some teachers’ associations highlighted differences in disciplinary actions, citing that NSUI office bearers who participated in protests in the past were reportedly not allowed to appear in examinations, a restriction not applied in this case

ABVP, the student organisation to which Jha is affiliated, had defended her actions at the time, claiming that the professor misbehaved with students and acted with political bias. Teachers’ groups have consistently called for strict action and highlighted the need for measures to protect faculty from harassment.