Over 300 scholars urge SAARC to intervene in “unjust” termination of SAU professor

Condemning the removal of South Asian University professor Snehashish Bhattacharya, over 300 researchers from universities and institutions across the world have urged the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to intervene in the “unjust and punitive dismissal”. They have urged SAARC to instruct SAU to revoke his termination and reinstate him on an immediate basis. The associate professor of economics was terminated in September after two years of suspension and a show-cause notice for allegedly supporting students during protests.

In a letter addressed to SAARC secretary-general Md Golam Sarwar, academics and intellectuals expressed deep concern over the violation of academic freedom and due process at the university. The scholars have urged the SAARC official to direct SAU to immediately revoke Bhattacharya's termination, protecting the academic freedom within the institution, and upholding the “founding ideals of collegiality, dialogue, and intellectual independence that underpin the university's mandate.”

The signatories argued that Bhattacharya was penalised for having raised "principled concerns" over the administration's treatment of peaceful student protests in 2022. The agitating students had demanded representation in gender sensitisation and anti-harassment cells, along with rollback of stipend cuts.

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“Dr. Bhattacharya's consistent denial of all charges levelled against him, and his conscientious refusal to submit a letter of regret, was followed by his termination, which the administration justified as a response to "incitement against the University", the scholars said, rejecting it as a distortion of his record and commitment to academic integrity.

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The academics also refuted SAU's claim that it lies outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts, noting that the university was created by The South Asian University Act enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2008, slamming it for undermining legality and accountability. Bhattacharya has challenged this claim in Delhi High Court and the next hearing is scheduled for November 18.

The researchers argued that the university, deviating from its vision, has witnessed “an exodus of international faculty and repeated attempts to censor students and staff.” They asserted that the sacked professor’s consistent good-faith actions embody the SAU values and “his dismissal threatens not only an individual’s career but also broader principles of academic freedom, collegiality, and the university’s role in nurturing future scholars and engaged citizens through openness, dialogue, and mutual respect.”

The scholars also took note of the recent letter of protest signed by alumni including 101 former students of Bhattacharya. Notably, the central university teachers’ body also slammed the university for the deed, extending solidarity to the faculty member.

Besides his reinstatement, they also urged SAARC to “ensure that procedural fairness and due process are fully observed in the resolution of this matter”, and to “uphold the academic freedom and rights of faculty and students, which are essential for SAU’s credibility as a SAARC institution committed to cooperation, dialogue, and regional excellence.”