JNUTA demands independent inquiry into alleged irregularities at JNU

By A Representative 

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) has called for the immediate removal of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and demanded an independent, time-bound inquiry into alleged violations of statutory rules, faculty recruitment procedures and the functioning of the university’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC).

In a press release, JNUTA alleged that the university’s statutory framework and consultative bodies had been systematically undermined, with decision-making becoming increasingly concentrated in the office of the Vice-Chancellor. The association alleged that meetings of statutory bodies had been reduced to formalities and that decisions were often presented for approval after being effectively predetermined.

JNUTA said it had repeatedly raised its concerns with the Visitor, President Droupadi Murmu, through letters dated September 1 and 22, 2025, November 21, 2025, and April 27, 2026. The association said it had sought the removal of the Vice-Chancellor and urged the Visitor to exercise powers available under the JNU Act.

The teachers’ body also referred to a recent investigation by The Reporters’ Collective, which, according to JNUTA, found alleged irregularities in the recruitment of at least seven faculty members. Citing RTI responses, official records and Executive Council dissent notes, the association alleged that candidates rejected by subject-level screening committees were subsequently included in final shortlists through the IQAC process and later appointed despite alleged non-compliance with UGC norms.

JNUTA stressed that the cases reported by The Reporters’ Collective should not be treated as isolated incidents. It alleged that the university administration had followed a broader “pick and choose” approach in applying rules, with regulations allegedly being interpreted differently in different cases.

The association further alleged that the IQAC did not have statutory authority to alter the decisions of duly constituted academic screening or shortlisting committees. According to JNUTA, representations from rejected candidates should have been referred back to the competent academic body for a recorded decision, while any changes between provisional and final shortlists should have been supported by written reasons and documented approval.

JNUTA also raised questions about the selection of Deans, Chairpersons and external subject experts, alleging that established practices such as rotation by seniority had been replaced by discretionary appointments. It said the concentration of authority over recruitment, promotions, selection committees and Executive Council processes warranted a vigilance inquiry.

The association said it had separately raised questions with the Registrar and IQAC Director Prof. P.R. Kumaraswamy in May 2026 regarding the handling of recruitment and Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) cases. JNUTA claimed that although responses had been promised within a week, no written response had been received even after about 100 days.

Charter of demands

JNUTA has placed an eight-point charter of demands before the Visitor, Chancellor, Ministry of Education, University Grants Commission, Members of Parliament and the public:

1. Removal of the Vice-Chancellor: JNUTA reiterated its demand for Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit’s removal.

2. Independent inquiry: It called for an independent, time-bound Visitorial or court-monitored inquiry into allegations concerning the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment, faculty recruitment, CAS promotions, IQAC functioning, changes to screening outcomes, conflicts of interest and the manner in which matters were placed before the Executive Council.

3. Recusal of the Vice-Chancellor: JNUTA demanded that the Vice-Chancellor be removed from authority over recruitment, promotions and other matters under investigation pending completion of the inquiry.

4. Removal of IQAC Director from relevant functions: The association demanded that Prof. P.R. Kumaraswamy be divested of recruitment and promotion-related responsibilities while the allegations concerning the IQAC are examined.

5. Preservation of records: It sought immediate preservation and independent custody of physical and electronic records relating to faculty recruitment and promotions since February 2022, including applications, shortlists, screening records, IQAC documents, e-office files, emails, Executive Council records and selection committee proceedings.

6. Action concerning seven appointments: JNUTA demanded that the seven faculty members identified in The Reporters’ Collective investigation be divested of academic and administrative responsibilities pending an independent inquiry into their appointments.

7. Audit of all faculty recruitment: It called for an independent review of every direct faculty appointment made during the present Vice-Chancellor’s tenure, rather than limiting scrutiny to the seven cases cited in the media investigation.

8. Review of the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment: JNUTA demanded disclosure and independent examination of the search-and-selection records relating to the Vice-Chancellor’s 2022 appointment, including vigilance and background verification, selection criteria, candidate declarations, disciplinary information, minutes and recommendations.

The association also appealed to Members of Parliament to intervene for the removal of the Vice-Chancellor and IQAC Director, preservation of university records and the constitution of a time-bound vigilance inquiry.

JNUTA said the controversy went beyond individual appointments and concerned the institutional governance of a public university established by Parliament. It maintained that JNU must function according to its Act, Statutes, Ordinances, Regulations and principles of academic and administrative accountability.

The association concluded by asserting that JNU is a public institution and not the personal domain of its Vice-Chancellor, calling for equal and consistent application of rules across the university.