• Court restores Jamia Teachers’ Association’s autonomy; declares university’s actions unconstitutional

New Delhi,: The Jamia Teachers’ Association (JTA) and the Federation of Central Universities Teachers’ Associations (FEDCUTA) have welcomed the Delhi High Court’s landmark judgment in favour of JTA, calling it a “momentous legal victory” and a milestone in defending the democratic rights of teachers across Indian universities.

In a joint statement, JTA President Prof. Surajit Mazumdar and Secretary Prof. Bimlendu Tirthanker said the verdict has vindicated the Association’s stand against the “nakedly authoritarian” actions of the Jamia Millia Islamia administration, which had dissolved the elected JTA Executive Committee, unilaterally amended the JTA Constitution, and even suspended a professor for serving as Election Officer during JTA polls.

“The Court’s judgment reaffirms that the democratic governance of universities and protection of teachers’ rights are essential for maintaining the public purpose of higher education,” the JTA and FEDCUTA said. They also criticized the UGC and Ministry of Education for their silence and inaction, despite repeated representations, terming it a tacit approval of illegal actions.

The associations added that the ruling sends a strong message to all Central Universities where similar patterns of administrative overreach, misuse of CCS (Conduct) Rules, and erosion of institutional autonomy have become common.

Delhi High Court Restores JTA’s Autonomy

The judgment, delivered in the petition W.P.(C) 1490/2023, marks a turning point for institutional democracy. The Court ruled that Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution of India protects not only the right to form an association but also the right to continue it with its chosen composition and internal governance.

The Court found the Jamia administration’s actions — including unilateral revision of the JTA Constitution and withdrawal of the association’s powers to manage its own funds — to be unconstitutional, arbitrary, and lacking any legitimate regulatory basis.

It emphasized that powers vested in universities under the Jamia Millia Islamia Act (JMI Act) must operate within constitutional and natural justice frameworks, and “cannot be invoked to override or abrogate the petitioner’s fundamental rights.”

A Message for All Universities

The ruling holds broader national significance, as it reaffirms that academic freedom and university autonomy are fundamental to democratic higher education governance.

According to FEDCUTA, the verdict will strengthen teachers’ struggles in other Central Universities, where Vice Chancellors often bypass institutional norms and where restrictive administrative practices undermine academic and constitutional freedoms.

“The judgment restores faith in the Constitution and the judiciary as protectors of teachers’ rights,” the statement said, adding that the decision will inspire educators nationwide to uphold democratic values within academic institutions.  

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