Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University has taken stringent action against a senior professor from its Department of Social Work, placing him under suspension and initiating disciplinary proceedings. This move comes in response to complaints received regarding a specific question in an undergraduate semester examination.
The Controversial Exam Question
The incident revolves around a question that appeared in the B.A. (Hons) Social Work Semester I Examination – 2025. The paper, titled 'Social Problems in India', was held on Sunday. The question in question asked students to: “Discuss the atrocities against Muslim Minorities in India giving suitable example.”
According to an official order issued by the university's Registrar's Office on Tuesday, the paper was set by Prof. Virendra Balaji Shahare. The university stated it received complaints about the content of this end-semester paper.
University's Action and Official Order
In its order, the university cited “negligence and carelessness” on the part of Prof. Shahare. The order, invoking statutory provisions, stated that the professor has been placed under suspension with immediate effect pending an inquiry.
The university has also stated its intention to ask the police to register an FIR in the matter. An inquiry committee will examine the issue, and Prof. Shahare will remain suspended until the committee reaches a conclusion.
The order further restricts the professor's movements during the suspension period: “During the suspension period, his headquarters will be in New Delhi and he shall not leave the headquarters without prior permission.”
Academic Backlash and Professor's Profile
The suspension has sparked a reaction from student groups. The Fraternity Movement, JMI, demanded the revocation of the suspension. In a statement, the group argued that Shahare, as the paper setter, had “raised critical questions on the atrocities faced by the Muslim minority in India.” They alleged that the university administration chose punishment over academic freedom.
Prof. Virendra Balaji Shahare is an experienced academic. His curriculum vitae on the JMI website shows over 22 years of teaching and research experience. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil from Jawaharlal Nehru University and an M.A. in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.
His research interests and publications extensively cover themes of social exclusion, violence against marginalised groups, Dalit and tribal studies, and human rights. Notably, his past work includes organising a workshop on the 'Empowerment of Muslims in India' in 2014 and presenting a paper on 'Atrocities and Social Exclusion in India' during the COVID-19 pandemic at an international conference in 2021.
The Department of Social Work at Jamia is recognised as a University Grants Commission Centre of Advanced Study. Attempts by The Indian Express to reach Prof. Shahare via email and phone for comment were unsuccessful.
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between academic inquiry, institutional control, and discussions on sensitive social issues within Indian universities. The outcome of the inquiry and the potential police case will be closely watched by academic circles and civil society groups.
