Interestingly, Bhadauria has criminal cases pending against him. He had filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court challenging his suspension. He had stated that the university had put him under suspension for a long time without taking any decision in the case. The court had asked the university to decide the matter promptly.

Vice-Chancellor M K Mishra, who assumed office on Tuesday, convened the meeting which took up Bhadauria’s case.

“The report of the three-member disciplinary committee that investigated the matter was tabled in the meeting,” Registrar G P Tripathi said. “The council decided to reinstate him, but as a punishment the remaining salary of his suspension period will not be paid,” added Tripathi.

Bhadauria had served four months in jail for allegedly hiring a criminal to attack another professor. Two criminal cases, including one under the Gangster Act, were lodged against him and the matter is still pending.

“When the court finally decides, the executive council will accordingly decide what steps need to be taken,” said Tripathi.

According to a senior LU faculty member, Bhadauria has been suspended four times — once for alleged sexual harassment of a student, then for using abusive words to a female colleague and the third time for an alleged attempt to murder another professor.