Before the governing body meeting, Vinod Chowdhury, the college’s media advisor, said Thampu’s status as principal of the college, and the issue of the disciplinary action to be taken against the two teachers issued showcause notices in January, were on the agenda.

Chowdhury, however, was silent on what conspired in the meeting. “It was just a regular meeting,” Chowdhury said.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, members of DUTA organised a demonstration outside the college questioning Thampu’s legality as principal.

The students of the college had objected to DUTA’s earlier protest on February 5 inside the college. The students had shouted slogans against DUTA members for ruining the “sanctity of the college premises”.

This time, DUTA members protested by covering their mouths with black cloth. “If teachers are not allowed to give critical views in class, it is better to shut our mouths,” said Aditya Narayan Mishra, the president of the DUTA.

He told Newsline that their protest “would take a violent turn” if the college’s governing body did not come up with a decision corresponding to their demands. “The result will be terrible for the university,” Mishra said.

DUTA members said University examinations are to begin in the last week of March and if the tussle among the authorities continue, it would hamper the study of students.

“Thampu has been appointed illegally, and he cannot conduct the examinations as that too would be illegal,” Mishra said. DUSU President Amrita Bahari was also found among the protesters.

Backward classes seek seek reservation in college
A section of DU’s teaching and non-teaching staff on Friday demanded reservations for SC, ST and Physically Handicapped in teaching and non-teaching positions in the college.