Weeks after a committee probing the hijab related controversy at Jadavpur University suggested that English department head Saswati Halder be relieved of her duties until the inquiry was completed, the university’s executive council has decided that she may resume her responsibilities whenever she chooses.
The decision was taken even as the fact-finding committee is expected to submit its report on January 29.
The controversy began on December 22 last year when Halder asked a third-year undergraduate student to partially remove her hijab during an examination. The request was made with the assistance of another female student from the same community to verify whether the student was using wireless headphones.
The executive council, which is the highest decision-making body of the university, stated that Professor Halder could return to her post whenever she wished or after the end of her leave period. The council also expressed solidarity with her, stating that she was performing her official duties.
A university official said that the resolution was adopted after the Jadavpur University chapter of the All Bengal University Teachers’ Association submitted a memorandum demanding Halder’s reinstatement.
The executive council also expressed displeasure over the conduct of the chairperson of the fact-finding committee, particularly regarding statements made to the media. The council reiterated its support for Halder in the matter.
In addition, the executive council stressed the need for a standard operating procedure to be put in place for the conduct of examinations to avoid similar controversies in the future.
Jadavpur University Vice Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya said that the university had never asked Halder to go on leave and that she had taken the decision on her own.
He said the executive council had only reiterated the university’s position that she was free to resume her duties whenever she felt appropriate.
Bhattacharya also confirmed that the five-member fact-finding committee would meet on January 29, along with university officials, before submitting its report.
