IIT-G had previously asserted that Vikrant’s conduct was disruptive to the academic atmosphere, pointing to his social media activities and correspondence with institute officials as defamatory. Guwahati: Following a recent Gauhati High Court ruling, IIT-Guwahati has agreed to reinstate a PhD research scholar who was dismissed in 2021 for allegedly defaming the institution and its officials. The court found the termination of Vikrant Singh’s studentship arbitrary, necessitating IIT-G to reverse its earlier decision.IIT-G had previously asserted that Vikrant’s conduct was disruptive to the academic atmosphere, pointing to his social media activities and correspondence with institute officials as defamatory. The institute’s latest communication to Vikrant stated, “With respect to the above-cited references, the institute is hereby reinstating your studentship in the PhD programme at the department of electronics and electrical engineering, IIT-Guwahati, with immediate effect.”The court stipulated that Vikrant must submit a written undertaking to maintain discipline on and off campus, refrain from disturbing the academic environment, and follow institutional guidelines. IIT-G will initiate new disciplinary proceedings, as authorised by the court, ensuring adherence to due process and natural justice principles. Furthermore, Vikrant is required to submit a progress report and present his research to the doctoral committee and Department Postgraduate Program Committee.For accommodation in the married scholar hostel, the institute has instructed Vikrant to contact the Hostel Affairs Board office after completing registration. Previously, Vikrant had highlighted alleged institutional irregularities at IIT-G, including supposed misappropriation of funds for events. In 2019, he lodged a police complaint alleging that the then Director and Deans conducted a meeting at a five-star hotel in Guwahati, charging expenses to institute funds against regulations.Vikrant and another PhD student reportedly organised demonstrations, including a candle march and hunger strike, protesting the suspension of Brajesh Rai, his PhD supervisor from the electronics and electrical engineering department, who had been critical of various institute matters. The termination letter from the IIT-G joint registrar, Students’ Affairs, dated June 25, 2021, declared, “Your defamatory social media posts, offensive letters/emails to various Institute functionaries, as well as to the Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC) are highly disruptive to the academic environment of the Institute.” The letter labelled Vikrant’s conduct as an “offence of the highest order”.Vikrant’s legal counsel effectively challenged the decision, establishing that he was not given an opportunity to defend himself against the accusations.
Published On May 2, 2025 at 08:55 AM IST
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