JNU suspends political science teacher; cites ‘underperformance, absenteeism’

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has suspended the services of Rohan VH Choudhari, a faculty member of the political science department. JNU admin cited that the decision was taken due to poor performance and the prolonged absence of the teacher.

The students of the department have condemned the action taken by the JNU vice chancellor, calling it "unjust, illegal, unethical and disproportionate." The decision has bypassed all stated rules and procedures. This is the first time in the history of JNU, a teacher has been suspended for underperformance.

According to several media reports, an official order issued that the teacher was appointed in April 2024 and was on probation for two years. His probation was extended due to “underperformance” and also because he had taken 51 days of unauthorised leave between May and July without prior permission. Following this, a meeting was held, and the executive council approved his suspension.

The teacher was on leave because his one-year-old son's health deteriorated, which made it impossible for him to resume his duties. The suspension decision has drawn criticism from JNU students and the teachers’ association groups.

Also read New UGC regulations may create rubber-stamp VCs, conflict with states: JNU professor

JNU students condemn teacher’s suspension

Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has condemned the suspension of the political science teacher. A total of 47 students of the political science department unanimously passed the resolution after more than an hour of discussion.

“The students of the Centre for Political Studies (CPS) condemn in the strongest terms the termination of the services of Rohan VH Choudhari by the JNU administration. We stand in complete solidarity with Rohan VH Choudhari in his struggle against this gross injustice,” the official JNUSU statement reads.

Sanjay Raut, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, also called JNU to withdraw the decision immediately, calling it a ‘personal vendetta’.

“Maharashtra's illustrious son, the profound scholar of international politics Rohan Chaudhari has been suspended in a dictatorial manner by the vice-chancellor of JNU. This decision, which tramples upon the university's act and laws, has been taken out of personal vendetta. Maharashtra will never tolerate this injustice against its promising professor. The Vice-Chancellor must immediately withdraw this unjust decision, otherwise Maharashtra's voice will be heard in Delhi,” Raut posted on the X account.