| NEW DELHI: In a record of sorts Banaras Hindu University (BHU) vice-chancellor (VC) Lalji Singh could become the first VC to face charges against the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
In a hard-hitting report sent to President Pranab Mukherjee, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) chairperson P L Punia has recommended that government should "initiate legal action permissible under the law including SC/ST (POA) Act, 1989, against the erring officers of the BHU, Varanasi, including Lalji Singh". He has also recommended that a high-level committee should be set up in the HRD ministry to monitor the implementation of the varsity's reservation policy.
Punia has told the President that the HRD ministry "should take a decision whether such a person with prejudiced mind should hold such post".
NCSC's action comes in the wake of Singh refusing to appear before the Commission that was inquiring allegations of deprivation of rights of SC employees in the BHU. Series of complaints were filed by Indu Choudhury, an assistant professor in BHU. Instead of appearing in the Commission, Singh filed a writ in the Allahabad High Court against arrest warrant. The HC stayed the execution of arrest warrant issued by the commission. Punia even complained to the Prime Minister that wherever NCSC conducts some inquiry and makes recommendations, the department — in this case the BHU — moves court. A senior BHU faculty member said, "The battle between the Commission and Singh is reminiscent of Ambedkar-Malaviya fight." At one point Singh had even alleged that Punia is biased after which the case was being handled by another member, Raju Parmar. In fact, a fresh bailable warrant has also been issued by the Commission against Singh.
In his report to the President, Punia said Singh "victimized the SC/ST employees and teachers for approaching the NCSC for redressal of their grievances". "The VC, BHU did not even follow the instructions of HRD ministry, and of the UGC guidelines," the report said.
Punia has also told the President that "the Supreme Court may be requested to "issue directions to all the high courts not to interfere with the proceedings of the NCSC" being pursued under the provisions of the Constitution and "acknowledge the status of NCSC as a constitutional body and interim orders against NCSC may not be passed as a matter of routine". |