A Bengaluru assistant professor, Usha PS, has successfully challenged her dismissal from Jain College after almost two decades of service. The Educational Appellate Tribunal ruled in her favor, declaring her termination illegal and ordering her reinstatement, sparking renewed discussion on job security in private educational institutions.
Dismissed After 19 Years
Usha PS, 52, began her tenure at Jain College in 2005 as a lecturer in life sciences. She served for nearly 19 years, eventually holding the position of assistant professor at the Vasavi Road campus after an internal transfer in 2021. In January 2021, she was abruptly served a one-line termination letter, which provided no detailed reasons for her dismissal and allegedly bypassed standard legal procedures.
Challenging what she described as an arbitrary and unlawful decision, Usha took her case to the Educational Appellate Tribunal. The college, in its defense, claimed that declining student enrollment and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) had necessitated a reduction in faculty members.
Tribunal Finds Due Process Violations
However, evidence presented to the tribunal contradicted the college's assertions. The tribunal found that Usha was actively teaching several core subjects at the time of her dismissal, directly refuting the claim that her services were no longer required. Cross-examination during the proceedings also revealed inconsistencies in the institution's justification for the termination.
The tribunal concluded that Jain College had failed to adhere to the legal processes mandated for terminating a faculty member. Consequently, it declared Usha's dismissal illegal and directed the college to reinstate her to her position.
Implications for Higher Education
This ruling has reignited important conversations about employment security, transparency, and accountability within India's higher education sector. The case highlights the challenges faculty members can face when institutions undergo structural changes, such as those driven by the NEP or shifting enrollment patterns, and underscores the critical importance of due process in employment decisions.