St Stephen’s College professor Nandita Narain, who is seeking re-election as Delhi University Teachers’ Association president, has threatened legal action against principal Valson Thampu if she is not granted leave for campaigning.
Narain had applied for three weeks earned leave so that she can campaign for the polls slated for August 27. Thampu had turned down the application, saying “cannot oblige”.
Narain shot off a letter to Thampu warning him of legal action if her application was not considered “within 24 hours”.
DUTA elections are due to be held on 27 August, and I am seeking a second term. Three weeks of leave is the minimum I would require in order to cover the varsity which is spread over all seven Lok Sabha constituencies (of Delhi). I appeal to you once again to grant me the leave that I have rightfully earned through long years of service, and which I urgently need in the next few weeks. Failure to do so within the next 24 hours would leave me with no option but to approach the court for relief.
— Nandita Narain, St Stephen’s College Professor
The fresh development comes against the backdrop of Thampu indirectly attacking Narain in connection with a molestation row involving a Stephen’s research scholar, when he had accused the DUTA chief of being one of the handlers of the controversy.
Narain has been leading a campaign seeking Thampu’s removal from office for alleged financial and administrative irregularities.
In the last few years, I have openly expressed my unhappiness with the way in which you have handled several issues, notably those concerning victimisation of employees and students. Because of this, I have been repeatedly targeted and have faced continuous harassment by you. In one such instance, I have even been compelled to seek legal redress for my protection.
— Nandita Narain, St Stephen’s College Professor
Thampu was not available for comment on the issue.
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