Vikrant Singh reinstated at IIT Guwahati after court fnds termination unfair and arbitrary

The Hindu

02-05-2025

Vikrant Singh, a Ph.D. student who had received a termination letter from IIT Guwahati, was reinstated in the institute after the Gauhati High Court stated that the institute had unjustly handled Mr. Singh's case. Justice Michael Zothankhuma said that Mr. Singh was not given a proper hearing, and the institute didn't share with him the documents of allegations against him; hence, principles of natural justice were ignored.
Through a letter issued in June 2021, Vikrant Singh was terminated from the studentship of IIT Guwahati, with immediate effect. This was after the Students' Disciplinary Committee alleged that Mr. Singh had been defaming the institute. While Mr. Singh was called for a disciplinary meeting, he was not made aware of the specific allegation for the proposed hearing or what was to be defended.
Mr. Singh wrote a letter, asking for the details and evidence, but instead of a reply, he received his termination letter. Mr. Singh's lawyer argued that he was not given a proper opportunity to hear or defend himself before the termination of his studentship from the IIT, Guwahati.
The institute alleged that Mr. Singh had been stirring up controversies and trouble in the IIT, Guwahati, since the time he joined. It said that his actions were highly disruptive to the academic environment, and Mr. Singh has not made any attempt to comply with the Rules and Regulations of the IIT, Guwahati.
Justice Michael Zothankhuma asked how someone could defend themselves without knowing the charges? The judge pointed out that the rules of fairness and natural justice were ignored. No proper hearing was given, and no documents were shared.
The court set aside the termination. Vikrant would be allowed to complete his Ph.D. He was, however, told to follow the rules, avoid disrupting the academic environment, and submit an undertaking promising he would do so.