NLU Delhi Executive Council approves suspension of Prof JS Mann pending inquiry into allegations of misconduct

In view of serious accusations of misconduct, the Executive Council of the National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) has approved the suspension of Professor Jeet Singh Mann, pending an inquiry into the allegations against him.

However, in response to an e-mail sent by Bar & Bench, Professor Mann said that he is not aware of such a suspension order. Further, he also intimated that he would challenge any such action before the appropriate forum.

On May 14 this year, NLU Delhi Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) Ranbir Singh had written to the University Chancellor, stating among other things, that Prof Mann has been using social media to make wild allegations against the authorities in the Universities without any substance.

Another allegation levelled concerned a complaint of stalking a research associate.

"Recently a complaint has been received from one Research Associate in the University, against Prof Mann for Stalking and harassment caused to her through social media posts…"

In response to this letter, Chancellor of NLU Delhi and then Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajendra Menon (since retired) had directed that Prof Mann be suspended and that an inquiry be initiated against him.

The direction was discussed by the Executive Council of NLU Delhi in its meeting held on December 18, following which it was unanimously approved by the members. The Council has recommended that the inquiry against Prof Mann be undertaken preferably by a retired High Court judge. As noted in the minutes of the meeting,

The Executive Council has taken a serious note of the said matter and unanimously resolved that a departmental inquiry preferably by a retired High Court Judge under the relevant rules should be immediately undertaken by the University. The Vice-Chancellor, NLU Delhi was authorised to take all further steps into the case.”