Pune: Flame University Asked To Respond By May 7 In Dismissal Case Of Professor Who Fed Dogs On Campus
Pune: Flame University Asked To Respond By May 7 In Dismissal Case Of Professor Who Fed Dogs On Campus
Pune, May 5: The Bombay High Court has directed Pune’s Flame University to file an affidavit by May 7 in response to a writ petition filed by former assistant professor Shinjini Mukherjee, who was terminated from her position allegedly for feeding stray dogs on campus.
Mukherjee, a sociologist, approached the court in February 2025, challenging her dismissal in December 2024. The controversy stemmed from a dispute between Mukherjee and the university administration regarding her involvement in feeding stray dogs, which she did in coordination with the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) led by students.
On December 21, 2024, the university issued a termination letter, and on February 13, 2025, she filed a writ petition against the decision.
Senior advocate Mihir Desai, representing Mukherjee in the Bombay High Court, argued that a permanent employee cannot be dismissed without a formal inquiry. The petition also emphasized that animal welfare efforts like feeding dogs should not warrant such harsh action, and any such move must follow principles of natural justice and be supported by evidence through cross-examination.
The university is now required to clarify its stance through an affidavit before the next hearing date.
