Delhi University discharges prof over references to terrorism in study material

The University of Delhi (DU) has discharged Saripalli V Ravikiran, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), formerly known as the School of Open Learning (SOL), amid a controversy over objectionable references to terrorism, Dr BR Ambedkar, women and feminism in study material prepared for undergraduate students.

Opposing the university’s decision, the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has announced a one-day strike and total shutdown on November 3, with classes to remain suspended across the university.

The controversy relates to self-learning material prepared by Ravikiran for BA Political Science students. The content reportedly contained remarks and references concerning Dr BR Ambedkar, women, feminism and terrorism, triggering objections from sections of the university community.

The discharge order stated that the professor had been removed from service with immediate effect following a recommendation by the CDOE Governing Body, which was subsequently approved by DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh.

May 23, 2023, and joined the university on February 29, 2024, on probation. The university stated that his performance during the initial probation period was not satisfactory, following which his probation was extended by one year through an office letter dated February 7, 2025.