Madhya Pradesh High Court Refuses To Reinstate Guest Faculty Accused Of Sending Objectionable Messages To Student

The Madhya Pradesh High Court refused to reinstate a guest lecturer accused of sending inappropriate messages to a female student at a government women’s college, observing that extraordinary powers under Article 226 cannot automatically be used in every service dispute.

The matter came before Justice Amit Seth after petitioner Azam Sher Khan challenged his removal from the post of Guest Faculty in Architecture and Interior Design at Government Women Polytechnic College, Gwalior.

Khan argued that the action against him was taken hurriedly and without following proper procedure. He claimed that although a committee was formed to examine the complaint, he was unable to appear before it because his mobile phone was not with him while he was at a police station. He further contended that the termination order could damage his professional reputation and future career prospects.

The State opposed the petition, stating that the allegations involved objectionable messages sent to a girl student and pressure exerted on her to communicate with him. It also informed the Court that the petitioner had apologised to the student in his written representation.

While considering the case, the Court noted that the petitioner’s appointment was temporary and limited to a specific academic session. Referring to a recent Supreme Court ruling, the Bench held that writ jurisdiction remains discretionary even where procedural irregularities are alleged. However, the Court clarified that the observations in the termination order should not affect the petitioner’s future employment applications.