3 days ago
HC summons principal, undersecy in professor couple's transfer case
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand HC, while hearing a case related to the transfer of a professor couple from Uttarkashi Degree College to Baluwakot Degree College in Pithoragarh district, on Wednesday directed the college principal prof Suresh Mamgai, the undersecretary of the higher education department, and the investigating officer to appear before the court at 2 PM on June 19.
The bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Alok Mahra also sought clarifications regarding possible contempt proceedings against the three. Earlier, the court had stayed the transfer orders and directed the investigating officer to submit a report on the petitioners' complaint.
The petitioners, associate professor Dr Ramesh Singh and his wife Vinita Singh, also an associate professor, alleged that although the higher education department had instructed colleges to observe Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, the principal held the event on April 12, to which they objected.
They further alleged that the principal then compelled Dr Singh to go on extended leave, refering to two-year-old sexual harassment allegations without any formal complaint or FIR. Dr Singh challenged this action in the high court, which granted him relief.
However, on April 16, the higher education department's undersecretary issued transfer orders for both Dr Singh and his wife, relocating them to Baluwakot Degree College in Pithoragarh—over 500 km away from their current posting.
