HC halts termination of contract prof's services at Sirsa university

In a legal battle between Ram Mehar Arya and Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU) in Sirsa, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has temporarily stayed the termination of Ram Mehar’s services.

Arya, a former contract professor at CDLU, was dismissed by the university for alleged misconduct, including sending a false letter accusing university officials of harassing female students. He had also been accused of damaging the university's reputation and displaying unsatisfactory work conduct.

The case began earlier in 2024 when Arya sent a letter claiming that 500 female students had been harassed by university officials. After an investigation, the police found the allegations to be fabricated by Arya, and CCTV footage confirmed his involvement in sending the false letter. Subsequently, the university initiated an inquiry and found issues with Arya’s conduct. Despite this, the High Court temporarily stopped his dismissal, stating that he must be given a fair opportunity to present his side.

The university had scheduled a hearing for Arya on October 18, but he requested a postponement due to illness, submitting a medical certificate. The university issued another notice for a hearing on October 19, but Arya again cited health issues. On October 19, the university issued a termination order, citing his failure to attend the hearing.

Represented by advocate Parmender Singh, the petitioner argued that the termination violated natural justice, as he was not given a proper hearing. The court adjourned the case to February 7, 2025 and stayed the termination order. Arya has been allowed to continue working at the university until the case is resolved, provided his conduct remains satisfactory.