The Spark: A Student's Essay Ignites Controversy at OP Jindal Global University

In the bustling academic environment of OP Jindal Global University (JGU) in Sonipat, Haryana, a seemingly routine assignment became the catalyst for a heated dispute. On October 31, 2025, first-year undergraduate student Vikhyaat Bajaj submitted an essay on the film URI: The Surgical Strike, a popular Bollywood portrayal of India's 2016 cross-border operation against terrorist camps in Pakistan. The essay praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government's decisive actions, and the armed forces' valor. What followed was a series of events that led to allegations of classroom harassment, politically charged remarks, and ultimately, the suspension of an associate professor.

This incident highlights the delicate balance universities must strike between fostering open discourse and maintaining a respectful learning atmosphere, especially in politically polarized times. JGU, a private institution of eminence established in 2009 and known for its international collaborations and law programs, found itself under scrutiny as the matter escalated from internal grievances to involvement by the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC).

Detailed Timeline of Events Leading to the Suspension

The sequence unfolded rapidly after the essay submission. By November 3, 2025, Vikhyaat reported feeling targeted in class discussions. The pivotal moment came on November 7 during Associate Professor Sarover Zaidi's lecture in the course Politics of Representation. According to the complaint, Zaidi allegedly equated PM Modi's leadership style with Adolf Hitler, dismissed surgical strikes—referred to as Operation Sindoor in some accounts—as 'gimmicks' and 'branding exercises,' and downplayed associated security threats.

Audio recordings submitted as evidence captured these exchanges, amplifying claims of a hostile classroom environment. On November 14, Vikhyaat formally complained to the university vice-chancellor, citing additional remarks by Zaidi and Assistant Professor Ekta Chauhan, including assertions that the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) is a banned organization and Lord Ram a mythological figure exploited politically.

• October 31, 2025: Essay submission on URI.
• November 3-7: Alleged harassment and inflammatory comments.
• November 14: Student complaint to VC.
• November 2025: Father's HHRC petition.

These details paint a picture of escalating tensions in a course designed to explore power dynamics and identity politics.

The Student's Grievance: Harassment Claims and Mental Health Impact

Vishav Bajaj, Vikhyaat's father, lodged a detailed complaint with the HHRC on November 7, 2025, describing 'continuous harassment, humiliation, and discriminatory conduct' that severely impacted his son's mental well-being and academic performance. The young student, already under pressure as a freshman, faced public shaming over his pro-nationalist views, leading to initial failure in internal assessments despite content deemed meritorious by an independent review.

The father's narrative emphasized how differing political ideologies allegedly translated into victimization, with Vikhyaat living in 'constant fear of retaliation, academic failure, and institutional bias.' This case underscores growing concerns in Indian higher education about ideological conformity and its toll on student mental health, where diverse viewpoints can clash in confined academic spaces.

University's Swift Internal Actions and Inquiry Process

JGU responded promptly to the internal complaint. Executive Dean Badrinarayan conducted an inquiry, ruling the initial failing grade unjustified and revising it to a pass. Show-cause notices were issued to Zaidi and Chauhan, who denied the allegations in writing. A fresh notice to Zaidi on January 24, 2026, based on audio evidence, preceded her suspension on January 29 for one semester—from February 1 to July 31, 2026.

Chief Communications Officer Anjoo Mohun affirmed the university's cooperation with HHRC, stating, 'We are fully cooperating and complying with its directives as required.' This demonstrates JGU's adherence to procedural fairness while addressing student welfare. For those navigating higher education careers, understanding such inquiry mechanisms is crucial; resources like academic career advice can help faculty prepare for potential disputes.

HHRC Steps In: Human Rights Perspective on Campus Conflicts

The Haryana Human Rights Commission played a pivotal role, issuing notices on January 16, 2026, to the UGC, Sonipat police commissioner, and JGU registrar. A hearing on January 29 aligned with the suspension, and further proceedings are scheduled for May 13, 2026. This external oversight ensures accountability, protecting students from alleged ideological persecution while scrutinizing faculty conduct.

In India, where higher education institutions handle rising complaints—over 5,000 annually per UGC data—such interventions highlight the need for robust grievance redressal. JGU's founding chancellor, BJP MP Naveen Jindal, adds a layer of political intrigue, though the university maintains institutional autonomy.

Photo by Fotos on Unsplash

Navigating Academic Freedom: JGU's Policies and Boundaries

JGU prides itself on a strong academic freedom policy, protecting faculty rights to teach, research, and question across disciplines. However, this freedom operates within ethical bounds, prohibiting harassment, discrimination, or inflammatory speech that undermines the learning environment. The faculty handbook outlines codes of conduct emphasizing respect, integrity, and non-partisanship.

In politically sensitive courses like Politics of Representation, where topics range from nationalism to identity, professors must facilitate dialogue without alienating students. This incident raises questions: Where does critique end and harassment begin? Experts argue for clear guidelines, training, and peer mediation to safeguard both faculty expression and student safety.

Public Reactions and Social Media Storm

The story trended on X (formerly Twitter), with right-leaning accounts hailing the suspension as a stand against 'anti-national' rhetoric. Posts from OpIndia and NewsArenaIndia amplified audio clips, garnering thousands of views. Conversely, some academics decried it as curbs on free speech, though Zaidi has not publicly responded.

Student testimonials describe Zaidi as 'opinionated yet open to debate,' suggesting no prior grading biases. This divide mirrors India's broader discourse on patriotism in academia, urging universities to promote inclusive patriotism over ideological silos.

Similar Incidents in Indian Higher Education Landscape

This is not isolated. In 2025, a Chennai professor at SRM University faced suspension for Instagram posts criticizing military operations. JNU and DU have seen faculty inquiries over political remarks, while UGC's 2026 equity regulations sparked protests amid caste and ideology debates.

• SRM case: Anti-India comments on Operation Sindoor led to probe.
• JNU clashes: UGC rules protests in 2026.
• DU equity backlash: Calls for general category inclusion.

Statistics show a 20% rise in campus complaints since 2023, per UGC reports, emphasizing proactive policies.

Implications for Faculty Careers and Student Rights

For professors, this underscores vigilance in classrooms: Document discussions, use neutral language, and integrate diverse views. Aspiring academics can explore professor jobs with institutions prioritizing clear conduct codes. Students benefit from empowered grievance channels, fostering safer spaces.

Stakeholders—UGC, universities, rights bodies—must collaborate on training. Check faculty feedback on Rate My Professor to gauge campus climates before enrolling.

Future Outlook: Strengthening Dialogue in Polarized Academia

Looking ahead, JGU's resolution could set precedents for balancing freedom and civility. Recommendations include mandatory bias training, anonymous feedback systems, and interdisciplinary forums. As India aims for Viksit Bharat by 2047, higher education must nurture critical thinkers resilient to polarization.

Positive steps: JGU's international ties could import global best practices, like Harvard's free speech protocols. For career navigators, higher ed career advice offers tools to thrive amid such dynamics. Explore openings at Indian university jobs.

Photo by Jake Kling on Unsplash

Actionable Insights and Resources for Higher Ed Stakeholders

To prevent recurrences:

• Faculty: Step-by-step self-audit—review syllabi for balance, record classes with consent.
• Students: Use university portals early; know UGC guidelines.
• Admins: Implement AI-mediated sentiment analysis for complaints.

Visit higher ed jobs for roles emphasizing ethical teaching. Share experiences on Rate My Professor. For tailored guidance, university jobs and career advice await.