Allahabad High Court Overturns Suspension of Banaras Hindu University Professor Shail Kumar Chaube

The Allahabad High Court has set aside the suspension of Banaras Hindu University professor Shail Kumar Chaube, instructing the university's Executive Council to review the case and provide a reasoned decision.

The Allahabad High Court has overturned the suspension of Professor Shail Kumar Chaube from Banaras Hindu University's Zoology Department. Justice CD Singh issued the order, instructing the university to present all relevant suspension documents to its Executive Council within two weeks of receiving a certified copy of the order.

The Executive Council is then required to make a well-reasoned decision after allowing Professor Chaube a chance to be heard. This process should be completed promptly, according to the court's directive. The petitioner's counsel highlighted that a division bench had previously annulled Chaube's forced retirement, which led to his subsequent suspension by the university.

University's Response and Legal Proceedings

Ajeet Kumar Singh, representing the university, stated that the Executive Council is already in place and will review the case for a new decision. The petitioner's counsel requested that the writ petition be resolved by directing the Executive Council to consider observations made by the division bench in a 2024 Special Appeal involving Banaras Hindu University and others against Shail Kumar Chaube.

The court noted, "Taking into consideration of above-said discussions and observations made in foregoing paragraphs, the impugned order dated June 26, 2025 passed by Registrar of the University with the approval of Vice Chancellor is set aside to the extent to the suspension of the petitioner."

Background and Allegations

Professor Chaube faced allegations of making inappropriate remarks towards students. An internal complaint committee at BHU conducted an inquiry in December 2018, leading to disciplinary measures against him. The court's decision on September 16 was publicly disclosed on September 24.

This development marks another chapter in an ongoing legal battle involving Professor Chaube and Banaras Hindu University. The case continues as both parties await further actions from the Executive Council based on the court's instructions.

With inputs from PTI