Gujarat HC Issues Notice To 'Institute Of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar' Over Alleged 'Illegal' Dismissal Of Its Academic Dean

The Gujarat High Court today issued a notice to the Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, a private University, on a plea filed by its Assistant Professor and Dean (Academic) challenging his illegal, unjust, unfair, and perverse dismissal on fabricated charges.

The Bench of Justice Biren Vaishnav was hearing the plea filed by Professor Gurudatt Gaur who was suddenly dismissed from the post of Assistant Professor and Dean (Academic) of the Institute, allegedly on fabricated charges without issuing any notice to him or conducting any inquiry or affording an opportunity of hearing.

Moving to the Court, Professor Gaur has alleged that the impugned Termination Letter issued by the Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar contains charges that are unsubstantiated.

The petitioner also submitted that the Respondent is a private University registered under the Gujarat Public Trust Act, 1950 and it fits into the definition of University mentioned in Section 2(f) of The University Grant Commission Act, 1956.

The plea avers that he diligently and meticulously worked for five and half years at the Institute and still, by way of an arbitrary and discriminatory action of the Institute, he was deprived of the livelihood of the Petitioner and has also put his future career into jeopardy.

Significantly, the plea contends that the five charges mentioned in the impugned letter are not only false and frivolous but also ridiculously hilarious and perverse. It may be noted that 5 charges mentioned in the letter included making political statements, using social media, etc.

The plea also argues that the Petitioner held a very prestigious position of Academic Dean at the Institute for more than two years, and was instrumental in creating academic relationships with many agencies and collaboration with many individuals.

"The sudden dismissal has dented the reputation of the Petitioner as sudden dismissal creates suspicion and doubt in the academic community," the plea further states.

Lastly, the plea prays for the quashing of the termination letter and petitioner's reinstatement in service with continuity of service with all consequential benefits including back wages.

During the pendency and final disposal of the petition, the Plea also seeks payment of subsistence allowance every month from the date of dismissal to the petitioner and/or in the alternative, engagement of the Petitioner in the Service on his previous service conditions till the final disposal of this petition.

Issuing the notice, the Gujarat High Court has made the notice returnable on March 23, 2022. Advocate Amrish N. Patel appeared for the Petitioner

Case title - Gurudatt Gaur v. Institute of Advanced Research (IAR) and another