The administration of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) has placed Registrar Dr Krishan Kant and senior professor Dr Naseeb Singh Gill of the Department of Computer Science and Applications under suspension with immediate effect. The move comes amid a growing controversy over the scheduled 304th Executive Council (EC) meeting.
What Triggered the Action
The disciplinary order against the registrar states that he failed to comply with directives from the Vice-Chancellor, creating an “unprecedented situation” that brought the **university’s functioning to a standstill”. Under Section 9-C (2) of the University Act, the registrar is required to work under the superintendence and control of the Vice-Chancellor, and the order cited this breach as a key reason for the suspension.
Sources said the registrar had informed Executive Council members about a state government directive to postpone the EC meeting, which was due to be held on Wednesday triggering disagreement with university authorities who want to proceed with it.
Suspension of Senior Professor
A separate order was also issued to suspend Dr Naseeb Singh Gill, with officials saying the action seeks to maintain institutional discipline, protect the integrity of decision-making in the EC, and uphold administrative decorum. Like the registrar, Dr Gill has been ordered to remain at the university headquarters during suspension.
Disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against both officials based on a fact-finding report prepared by university authorities.
The EC Meeting Row
The 304th Executive Council meeting a key governing body session has become controversial because of conflict between the MDU administration and the state government over whether to go ahead with the meeting or postpone it following government orders. The meeting’s agenda reportedly includes matters such as action against certain teachers and several promotion cases.
The development occurs days before the three-year term of Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajbir Singh ends, adding another layer to academic and administrative tensions on campus.