Karnataka high court quashes guest lecturer’s dismissal, orders Bengaluru North University to reinstate him

Bengaluru: The Karnataka high court has quashed Bengaluru North University's (BNU) decision to terminate guest lecturer R Manjunath and bar him from applying for similar positions for three years, citing violation of principles of natural justice.Justice HT Narendra Prasad directed the university to reinstate Manjunath to his post in the department of journalism and mass communication, while allowing the institution to initiate a fresh inquiry if it chooses to do so.Manjunath, who had been serving as a guest lecturer at the university's Kolar campus since 2018 — with periodic reappointments each academic year — was most recently appointed for the 2024–25 session through an order dated Dec 7, 2024.However, he was dismissed on April 9, 2025, and barred from applying for guest lecturer posts for three years, prompting him to approach the high court.Challenging the university's action, Manjunath argued that the dismissal was punitive, issued without prior notice, and violated Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. He was accused of 12 charges, including allegations of harassing women employees, but no formal inquiry was conducted. His counsel contended that such a stigmatic termination required a proper hearing and due process.The university defended the dismissal, citing his contractual status and claiming that he had made baseless allegations that harmed the institution's image.After reviewing the submissions, the court ruled that the order was indeed stigmatic and in breach of due process. Justice Prasad observed that any such termination must follow a fair inquiry and provide the accused an opportunity to respond.The court set aside the termination and the three-year bar on future applications, directing the university to reinstate Manjunath and proceed afresh, if necessary, in accordance with law.