New Delhi— Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University has suspended a faculty member from its Department of Social Work following complaints related to the content of an end-semester examination paper, officials said on Tuesday.
According to an official order dated December 23, the university received multiple complaints about the question paper titled “Social Problems in India” for the BA (Hons) Social Work programme, Semester I, for the 2025–26 academic session. The paper was set by Professor Virendra Balaji Shahare.
Taking note of the complaints, the university concluded that there was negligence and carelessness on the part of the faculty member. “The professor has been placed under suspension and an inquiry committee has been constituted,” said Saima Saeed, Chief Public Relations Officer of Jamia Millia Islamia.
As per the suspension order, issued under Statute 37(1) of the university statutes, the Vice-Chancellor directed that Professor Shahare be placed under suspension with immediate effect pending the outcome of the inquiry. The order also mentions that a police complaint will be filed in accordance with prescribed rules.
During the suspension period, Professor Shahare’s headquarters will remain in New Delhi, and he will not be allowed to leave the city without prior approval from the competent authority, the order stated.
Sources indicated that objections were raised over a question asking students to discuss atrocities against Muslim minorities in India with suitable examples. However, the university has not officially disclosed the precise nature of the objections or the specific reasons that led to the suspension.
The inquiry committee is expected to examine the matter and submit its findings to the university administration in due course.
