The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has intervened in a controversy at Kolkata's Jadavpur University, demanding an immediate explanation from the administration regarding alleged derogatory remarks made by an associate professor against the Indian Constitution and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Student's Complaint Triggers NCSC Intervention
A second-year student from the International Relations (IR) department filed a formal complaint against associate professor Arup Bhattacharya. The student alleged that the professor made hateful statements, including suggesting to "tear apart the Constitution and throw it into the water." Further, the complaint states that Bhattacharya questioned the utility of studying Dr. Ambedkar and his constitutional debates, which was perceived as a direct attack on the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Frustrated by what she called "inaction" from the university authorities, the student wrote directly to the NCSC on December 27. Acting swiftly, the SC panel, on December 30, issued a directive to the JU registrar, asking for a detailed report on the facts of the case and the action taken. The commission gave the university a strict deadline of seven days to submit its response.
University's Internal Probe and the Delay Controversy
In response to the initial complaint, the JU IR department had constituted an internal fact-finding committee on December 16. This committee was mandated to submit its findings within 15 working days. However, the student claims that despite the lapse of this period, no report was submitted, and she was not even called to record her official statement.
University officials have cited practical reasons for the delay. A JU representative pointed out that there had been hardly eight working days since the committee was formed, considering the intervening convocation ceremonies and year-end holidays. Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee echoed this, stating, "Everyone at the university was busy with convocation. Moreover, there were year-ending holidays. So there has been some delay. It will be taken into account and dealt with fast."
Stakes Raised as NCSC Asserts Authority
The student's appeal to the national commission has significantly raised the stakes. In her communication to the NCSC, she requested the panel to hold JU authorities accountable and direct them to suspend the professor and seek a public apology.
The NCSC's letter to the university carries substantial legal weight. It clearly states that if a satisfactory reply is not received, "the Commission may exercise the powers of Civil Courts conferred on it... and issue summons for your appearance in person or by a representative before the Commission." This underscores the seriousness with which the statutory body is treating the allegation.
For his part, Professor Arup Bhattacharya has claimed that there has been a "misunderstanding" regarding his comments. He stated, "I am cooperating with the investigation and already expressed my version," indicating his participation in the university's internal probe.
The case has put Jadavpur University under intense scrutiny, testing its internal grievance redressal mechanisms and its commitment to upholding constitutional values within its academic spaces. The university's response to the NCSC will be closely watched.
