Mon Nov 17 19:58:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) joint secretary, Deepika Jha, has been suspended for two months following an internal inquiry that found her guilty of physically assaulting Professor Sujit Kumar at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College. While the university administration deemed her conduct “unacceptable,” many teachers, including Professor Kumar, view the suspension as inadequate, particularly because it coincides with a less active period for the DUSU. The suspension allows Jha to attend classes and take exams, but prohibits her from union-related activities on campus. The incident has sparked protests from faculty demanding more stringent disciplinary measures, expressing concern about the implications for campus safety and respect for educators.
News Article:
Delhi University Student Leader Suspended for Assaulting Professor; Faculty Deem Punishment Insufficient
NEW DELHI – November 18, 2025 – Deepika Jha, the Joint Secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), has been suspended for two months after an internal inquiry found her guilty of physically assaulting Professor Sujit Kumar at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College. The suspension was announced by the university administration on November 17th, but has already been met with criticism from faculty members who believe the punishment is too lenient.
According to a statement from the University Proctor’s office, Jha’s conduct was “unacceptable and unbecoming on the part of a student and an office-bearer of DUSU.” While suspended, Jha is permitted to attend classes and take examinations, but is barred from participating in any union-related activities on university grounds. The suspension is subject to review by the Disciplinary Committee.
The incident, captured in a purported video, allegedly shows Jha, a leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), slapping Professor Kumar.
Professor Kumar, along with other faculty members, has voiced strong disapproval of the university’s response. “It’s equivalent to no action being taken,” Kumar stated, adding that the lack of a significant penalty raises questions about his safety and the overall disciplinary climate at the college. Other professors echoed this sentiment, arguing that the two-month suspension, overlapping with the winter break, does not serve as a meaningful deterrent and could encourage further misconduct.
“This is not a deterrent or strict action, as it is a lean period for the DUSU,” said DU Professor Abha Dev Habib. “Such incidents encourage mob behavior. If this is how the student behaves with a senior teacher, one can imagine how they will treat staff members or younger teachers.”
The incident has fueled existing tensions within the university and has led to multiple protests by faculty demanding stricter action against Jha. The situation remains a source of concern among staff and students alike, raising questions about the university’s commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment.