Delhi High Court Halts Suspension of Ramanujan College Principal

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim stay on the suspension of Rasal Singh, Principal of Ramanujan College, following allegations of sexual harassment made by three female faculty members. The ruling, delivered by Justice Sachin Datta, emphasized that Singh was not given a fair opportunity to defend himself prior to the suspension.

In a hearing on September 26, 2025, the court acknowledged that the suspension order, issued on September 18, had been enacted without a proper inquiry into the allegations. Justice Datta noted that the committee responsible for the suspension, established by the Deputy Registrar of Colleges, failed to adhere to procedural fairness by not allowing Singh to present his case.

Judicial Observations on Procedural Fairness

Justice Datta articulated that the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) holds exclusive jurisdiction over such allegations and should be the first to determine whether any interim measures, including suspension, are necessary. He stated, “On a prima facie conspectus, it is evident that the suspension of the petitioner, even before the allegations have been examined, is unwarranted.”

The court’s order requires that the ICC expedite its inquiry into the allegations and decide on any protective measures that may be necessary for the complainants. The High Court also underscored that the committee, which had conducted a preliminary inquiry, did not expressly recommend Singh’s suspension, calling into question the legitimacy of the actions taken against him.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

The High Court has instructed the respondents to provide a detailed reply before the next court date on October 15, 2025. Singh’s legal counsel, Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra, argued that her client has an unblemished academic record and has been subjected to what she describes as a personal vendetta driven by vested interests.

Luthra emphasized that Singh’s reputation and career were at stake due to the allegations, which she claims were filed maliciously. The court’s ruling brings a temporary reprieve for Singh as the inquiry by the ICC moves forward, underscoring the importance of due process in allegations of this nature.

This case highlights the vital balance between addressing serious allegations and ensuring that individuals are treated fairly within institutional processes. As the inquiry progresses, both the legal ramifications and the implications for the college community will be closely monitored.