Delhi HC revokes suspension of ex Jamia VC Prof. Eqbal Hussain

The Delhi High Court has revoked the suspension of former Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia and eminent legal scholar Professor Eqbal Hussain, observing that prolonged disciplinary proceedings against him were neither in the interest of the employee nor the institution.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the order while hearing an appeal filed by Hussain challenging his suspension by Jamia Millia Islamia University.

During the proceedings, the University informed the Court that it had already withdrawn the suspension order dated September 6, 2024, through a fresh order issued on January 20, 2026.

Taking the same on record, the Court allowed Prof. Hussain to resume his academic and teaching duties, while directing that he shall not discharge the functions of the Estate Officer till the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings.

The Court noted that the departmental inquiry had remained pending for over one-and-a-half years and held that such prolonged inquiries cause unnecessary hardship.

Accordingly, the Bench directed the University to conclude the inquiry within a period of six weeks. The case stems from an Executive Council decision of Jamia Millia Islamia, where Prof. Hussain, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law and a renowned authority on service jurisprudence, was asked to give his opinion regarding the University’s pre-emptory right to purchase a parcel of land.

Prof. Hussain advised against the purchase, suggesting that the University should optimally utilise its existing land and conserve financial resources for priority projects such as a medical college and other academic developments.

His view was supported by a majority of the Executive Council members, following which it was resolved that the University would not purchase the land. Acting on the Council’s direction, Prof. Hussain formally communicated the decision to the landowner, stating that a No Objection Certificate would be issued.

Advocate Advait Ghosh, appearing for Prof. Hussain along with Advocate Ankur Chibber, submitted that despite acting strictly in accordance with the Executive Council’s decision, the University administration suspended the Professor allegedly out of malice.

The counsel contended that no misconduct could be attributed to Prof. Hussain. The High Court, while disposing of the appeal, emphasised the need for the timely completion of disciplinary proceedings and directed immediate communication of the order to the concerned University authorities. Prof. Hussain was represented before the Court by Advocates Ankur Chibber and Advait Ghosh, both known for their expertise in service law.