'Public inquiry' against JNU V-C to begin today

NEW DELHI: The 'public inquiry' initiated by a mass delegation of teachers at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) against Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar is all set to commence on Monday, and continue till the evening of October 27.

The public inquiry – a first in the history of JNU – was initiated by JNU Teachers' Association (JNUTA), accusing Kumar of violating statutory provisions of the varsity.

A press statement issued by the Association said that, "… the 'public inquiry' against the V-C of JNU is a mode of protest modelled on an official inquiry, but deriving its legitimacy not from powers vested in any statutory authority but by being an expression of the collective sentiment of teachers of JNU."

"Through this public inquiry, JNUTA seeks to bring out in public domain a comprehensive picture of the severe damage being done to a public institution by its current administration under the leadership of the V-C. In order that concerned members of the public may also be able to arrive at an informed judgment, the inquiry process will try to present the issues comprehensively including by giving space to the JNU Administration's viewpoint," the JNUTA statement added.

Teachers will depose before the panel, representing eminent persons from different walks of life, on specific points raised in the charge-sheet. Oral and written submissions will be taken, with panelists giving a preliminary observation at the end of each day. A written note will follow stating the 'verdict' on the charges. A final comprehensive report will be submitted on October 27.