A private college assistant professor in Uttar Pradesh has alleged that he was terminated from his job after taking part in a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar against alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks.
Dr Mohit Bhardwaj, a 32-year-old Commerce faculty member at Ganna Utpadak PG College in Bareilly, claimed that he was called to the principal’s office shortly after returning from the July 20 protest and was informed that his services had been discontinued.
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According to Bhardwaj, the college management referred to videos showing his participation in the demonstration before issuing the termination order. He has maintained that he attended the protest in his personal capacity to express solidarity with students and did not engage in any activity that violated institutional rules.
Questioning the decision, Bhardwaj alleged that the college neither issued him a show-cause notice nor conducted any departmental inquiry before removing him from his position. He has reportedly approached the district administration and college authorities, seeking details of complaints, inquiry proceedings and records that led to the termination.
The professor also disputed claims mentioned in the termination letter, which reportedly cited “repeated complaints” against him. Bhardwaj said he had not received any complaints during his two-year association with the institution.
The college management, meanwhile, defended its decision, stating that political activities would not be permitted within the institution. The college director reportedly said that such activities would not be tolerated on campus, while the principal maintained that the decision was taken by the management.
The controversy comes amid growing attention around participation in the Jantar Mantar protests over alleged examination failures and paper leaks. Several educational institutions, including Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, have issued advisories cautioning students and faculty against attending unauthorised demonstrations and warned of possible disciplinary action.
The incident has sparked discussions around the rights of educators to participate in public protests and the boundaries between personal expression and institutional responsibilities.
