Jamia Students' Collective Demands Immediate Revocation Of Professor's Suspension Over Question Paper Row

New Delhi: After Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) suspended a professor over a question he set for a semester examination, student bodies have collectively issued a statement strongly condemning the university’s action against the professor.

In the letter, the students’ bodies pointed out that the present suspension stands in sharp contradiction to the University’s legacy, given that it has historically been a centre for critical thoughts, social engagement and academic courage. The students collective demanded immediate withdrawal of the professor’s suspension and all punitive proceedings against him, while expressing firm solidarity with him.

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The statement pointed out that the suspension must be read along side Delhi High Court judgement directing the University to reinstate the Jamia Teachers Association, which, notably, has a long history of collective academic assertion. The statement expressed concerns over the timing of the latest suspension of faculty fearing it as an attempt to intimidate teaching staff.

The suspension of the professor had triggered a major row on social media. The issue centre’s around on a 15-mark question in the BA (Hons) Social Work first-semester examination, held earlier this week. The question titled ‘Social Problems in India’ asked students to discuss the atrocities against Muslim minorities in India, giving suitable examples.

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After receiving complaints, the university administration said it reviewed the issue seriously while calling it negligence and carelessness on the part of faculty members.

The statement pointed out that suspending a professor and initiating criminal proceedings for framing a syllabus-mandated exam question constitutes an attack on academic autonomy, adding that it also sets a dangerous precedent for teachers across disciplines.

“Such actions threaten to convert classrooms and examination halls into spaces governed by fear rather than inquiry,” the statement noted.

Though  the university has set up an  inquiry committee to examine the issue, it suspended the professor until the committee submits its report.