OP Jindal University Professor Suspended Over Alleged PM Modi-Hitler Comparison
An associate professor at OP Jindal Global University has been suspended for one semester following a formal complaint that alleged the faculty member compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Adolf Hitler during a classroom discussion. The disciplinary action comes after a detailed inquiry into allegations of harassment and discriminatory conduct against a first-year undergraduate student.
Complaint Filed by Student's Father Before Human Rights Commission
The complaint was filed before the Haryana Human Rights Commission by Vishav Bajaj, father of undergraduate student Vikhyaat Bajaj. According to PTI reports, the father alleged that his son had been subjected to "continuous harassment, humiliation and discriminatory conduct" by certain professors, which significantly affected his mental well-being and academic performance throughout the semester.
Incident Stemmed from Essay on 'URI: The Surgical Strike'
In his November 2023 complaint, Vishav Bajaj stated that on October 31, 2023, his son wrote an essay on 'URI: The Surgical Strike' which expressed support for the Government of India, the prime minister, and the Indian Army. The father claimed this essay was not appreciated by some faculty members at the university, leading to subsequent targeting of his son.
He further alleged that on November 3, 2023, his son faced harassment during a class session, followed by more serious incidents on November 7 during a course titled 'Politics of Representation' taught by the associate professor in question.
Alleged Inflammatory Remarks and Academic Retaliation
The complaint specifically referenced remarks made during the November 7 class that were described as "politically derogatory, inflammatory and deeply disturbing in nature." According to PTI reports, these included comparisons of Prime Minister Modi to Adolf Hitler and characterizations of national security operations as "mere gimmicks and branding exercises."
Vishav Bajaj alleged that because his son had praised the government and military in his earlier essay, certain professors began systematically targeting him. He stated that his son was publicly humiliated in class over the Uri essay and was subsequently failed in the subject despite satisfactory academic work.
University Investigation and Result Revision
After Vikhyaat Bajaj submitted a written complaint to the university's vice chancellor, an inquiry was conducted by the executive dean. According to the complaint documentation, the dean found that failing the student was unjustified and without proper academic basis. Following this determination, the university revised the result and passed Vikhyaat Bajaj in the internal assessments for the course.
In his submission before the Commission, the father stated that the entire episode created resentment among some professors and that his son continues to suffer from "mental and physical distress" while living under "constant fear of retaliation, academic failure and institutional victimisation."
University Response and Ongoing Proceedings
The university's chief communications officer Anjoo Mohun stated, "As per the law, the matter is being heard by the HHRC and we are complying with their request. We are fully cooperating and complying with its directives as required."
The matter remains under active consideration by the Haryana Human Rights Commission, with the university confirming its cooperation with all proceedings. The one-semester suspension of the associate professor represents the most significant disciplinary action taken thus far in response to the allegations of inappropriate political commentary and student harassment.
This case highlights ongoing tensions in academic environments regarding political expression, faculty conduct boundaries, and student protection mechanisms within Indian higher education institutions.
