Jamia Millia Islamia has suspended a faculty member from its Department of Social Work after receiving complaints about the content of an end-of-semester examination paper, according to an official order issued by the university.
The order dated December 23 said that several complaints were received regarding the question paper titled Social Problems in India for the BA Honours Social Work programme. The paper was set by Professor Virendra Balaji Shahare for Semester One of the 2025 to 26 academic session.
Taking note of the complaints, the university said it found negligence and carelessness on the part of the faculty member. Jamia’s Chief Public Relations Officer Saima Saeed said the professor has been placed under suspension and an inquiry committee has been formed to examine the matter.
According to the suspension order, the Vice Chancellor exercised powers under the university statutes and ordered that Professor Shahare be suspended with immediate effect until the inquiry is completed. The order also stated that a police complaint would be filed as per rules.
During the suspension period, Professor Shahare has been directed to remain in New Delhi and will not be allowed to leave headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority.
Reports say that the controversy arose over a question in the exam paper that asked students to discuss atrocities against Muslim minorities in India with suitable examples. However, the university has not officially confirmed the exact objections raised against the paper.
The university has so far not released further details about the complaints or the timeline for the inquiry.
