Al Falah university under probe: Varsity hired professor sacked by J&K Lt Governor for terror activities

Al Falah University

Haryana's Al-Falah University, which is at the centre of the ongoing probe, after a severe explosion went off on a moving car near New Delhi's Red Fort area on Monday evening (November 10) , killing at least 12 individuals and injuring more than 24, has raised several questions regarding the due process followed by the varsity in recruiting professors.

A news report by NDTV says that the varsity has been found to have employed a professor who was previously dismissed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration for alleged links with terrorist organisations.

The broadcaster has accessed documents showing that Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan, a professor in the Department of Medicine at Al-Falah University, had been dismissed by the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in 2023 under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution. The provision allows the government to terminate a public servant without a departmental inquiry in cases involving the security of the state.

According to official records accessed by the broadcaster, Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan was serving as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar before his dismissal. The order, issued on November 21, 2023, stated that the Lieutenant Governor was "satisfied after considering the facts and circumstances of the case and on the basis of information available, that the activities of Dr Nisar-Ul-Hassan are such as to warrant his dismissal from service."

"The Lieutenant Governor is satisfied under sub-clause (c) of the proviso to clause (2) of Article 311 of the Constitution of India that, in the interest of the security of the State, it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in the case of Dr Nisar-Ul-Hassan, Assistant Professor (Medicine), SMHS Hospital, Srinagar," the order read.

Documents accessed by NDTV confirm that after being dismissed in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan was recruited by Al-Falah University in Faridabad. He was listed as a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the university.

Earlier today, Al-Falah University has issued an official statement distancing itself from the doctors arrested in the Delhi blast case. The university has said it is extending full cooperation to the investigating authorities.

A statement issued by the university Vice-Chancellor Professor (Dr) Bhupinder Kaur Anand said that the university has no connection with the said persons apart from them working in their official capacities at the university.

“We are deeply saddened and anguished by the unfortunate developments that took place and condemn the same. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the innocent people affected by these distressing events. We have also learnt that two of our doctors have been detained by the investigating agencies. We wish to make it clear that the university has no connection with the said persons apart from them working in official capacities with the university.”