Unanswered questions on Mehta's exit from Ashoka University

Pratap Bhanu Mehta, professor at Ashoka University, resigned a week ago. He wrote in his letter that it had become "abundantly clear" to him after a meeting with the founders of the University that his continued association with it would become a "political liability". 

A storm of criticism ensued. Eminent academics from all over the world condemned what they believed was pressure brought on Mehta to exit because of his forthright writings. Two days later, economist Arvind Subramanian resigned as Director of a centre at the university by way of expressing solidarity with Mehta. Students called for a two day strike starting March 22. They demanded the reinstatement of Mehta.

The Vice Chancellor, Malabika Sarkar, denied there had been external pressure on the university. However, the university's administration chose to issue a joint statement with Mehta and Subramanian which said there had been "lapses in institutional processes":

We acknowledge that there have been some lapses in institutional processes which we will work to rectify in consultation with all stakeholders. This will reaffirm our commitment to academic autonomy and freedom which have always been at the core of the Ashoka University ideals

The university also ensured that Mehta and Subramanian joined the administration in sounding a positive note:

 Pratap and Arvind would like to emphasize that Ashoka University is one of the most important projects in Indian higher education. They are sad to be leaving Ashoka, especially its outstanding students and faculty,” the statement said, adding that the two professors will remain “available for advice and consultation to the University in the future.

The Chancellor, Rudrangshu Mukherjee, then wrote a letter saying the founders had "never interfered with academic freedom". The Chairman of the board of trustees, Ashish Dhawan, wrote to students saying the founders "have always had the best interests of Ashoka at heart". Mehta, for his part, urged the students not to insist on his return:

The underlying circumstances that led to the resignation will not change for the foreseeable future, in my case, at any rate. So I must close this chapter. I urge you not to press on this matter. I know you will be disappointed. But if I may exercise one last bit of professorial discretion: your mission is larger than the fate of two Professors

Clearly, what is on is an exercise in damage limitation, with Mehta and Subramanian trying to help out.

One can understand the anxiety to protect the university's brand. However, it is important that the questions related to the episode are answered.

First, who were the founders who met Mehta and what exactly transpired at the meeting? It is important that Mehta shed light on this. I am also a little puzzled about the meeting. In his capacity as professor, Mehta reports to the Vice Chancellor and, perhaps, the Chancellor. If there were any concerns about his functioning, it should have been conveyed by the Vice Chancellor. It is not for the the founders or board members to interact directly with faculty in such matters.

Secondly, the statements by Sarkar and Mukherjee contradict what Mehta said in his resignation letter. If there was no external pressure and if founders had never interfered with academic freedom, then what led up to Mehta's resignation? All statements cannot be true.

Thirdly, Mehta stepped down as Vice Chancellor two years ago. There was speculation at the time that his stepping down from an administrative role had to do with his trenchant writings. Mehta needs to clarify whether this is true and, if so, why he chose to continue as a faculty member.

Lastly, one wonders what prompted Mehta and Subramanian to agree to a joint statement. Was any assurance given that the founders who had spoken to Mehta would not continue in an active role? What precisely were the "lapses in institutional processes" that are now sought to be rectified?

Both faculty and students must demand answers to these questions so that academic freedom at Ashoka University is insulated hereafter from the interference from the founders or the board.