SHILLONG: The single bench of the High Court of Meghalaya has asked NEHU to keep in abeyance the disciplinary proceedings against the University professor AK Das, who is allegedly involved in sexually harassing a woman scholar, till a writ petition filed by Das is disposed off.
Taking up the petition of Das on Thursday, the newly appointed Acting Chief Justice of Meghalaya, Uma Nath Singh said in his order that the disciplinary proceedings would be subject to the outcome of the writ petition.
The University was also allowed to file its reply within two weeks and the case will come up again on September 11.
Earlier, the counsel for the petitioner said that that the disciplinary proceeding as recommended by the Women Cell of the North Eastern Hill University was scheduled for Thursday
He contended that the Chairperson of Women Cell which has recommended to institute disciplinary proceedings against Das has been appointed as Inquiry Officer of case which may cause serious prejudice to the petitioner.\
“Thus, it is directed that the proceedings in question shall be subject to the outcome of this writ petition. Learned counsel for the respondent-University at this stage prays for and is granted two weeks’ time to file reply”, the order said. Earlier on Wednesday thousands of students staged a protest march demanding sacking of the professor from NEHU.