The University of Delhi has discharged assistant professor Saripalli V Ravikiran amid controversy over references in undergraduate study material. The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) announced a one-day strike and total shutdown across the university on 3 November 2026 in response.
Saripalli V Ravikiran, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), formerly known as the School of Open Learning, was discharged by the University of Delhi. The controversy relates to self-learning material prepared by Ravikiran for BA Political Science students. The content reportedly consisted of remarks and references concerning Dr B.R. Ambedkar, women, feminism and terrorism, which drew objections from sections of the university community.
According to the order, the discharge was carried out under Clause 7(9) of Ordinance XVIII and Point No. 7 of the Form of Agreement of Service of College Teachers under the Annexure to Ordinance XII of the university. The CDOE Governing Body recommended the professor’s removal with immediate effect, which the DU Vice-Chancellor, Yogesh Singh, approved.
The order stated that Ravikiran was appointed on 23 May 2023 against an advertisement and joined the university on 29 February 2024. The university stated that his performance during the initial probation period was not satisfactory, following which his probation was extended by one year on 7 February 2025.
According to the order, his performance remained unsatisfactory during the extended probation period, and he was informed of the shortcomings from time to time and apprised of the action being taken by the centre. The university also maintained that the professor was provided with multiple opportunities to submit written explanations and attend personal hearings.
Meanwhile, the DUTA opposed the university’s action and called a one-day strike and total shutdown on 3 November 2026. The decision was taken unanimously at an emergency meeting of the DUTA executive on 2 November, where it was also decided that classes would remain suspended.
DUTA argued that the action was unjust and asked associations to mobilise teachers to ensure participation in the shutdown.
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Image Source: duta.live
Tiya Mittal
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