Kohima: The Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, pushed its interim order for former Nagaland University professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti to September 18. Justice Susmita Phukan Khaund granted the delay after the professor’s counsel claimed a clerical error in the court listing. This ruling keeps a hold on the final disposal of his criminal case in Zunheboto.
The trial keeps moving. On January 23, 2026, the court framed charges against Yenisetti, and five of 13 prosecution witnesses have already testified. The High Court previously directed the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Zunheboto to avoid finishing the case while the professor’s petition under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, remains active.
Yenisetti claims he faces false prosecution. He wants the court to scrap the criminal charges entirely. Records show the case centers on November 2024 allegations where he reportedly abused master’s students and assaulted a female assistant professor.
Separate from the criminal charges, a battle over his job continues. Yenisetti filed a writ petition challenging his compulsory retirement, which the university issued on June 2, 2025. He argues the school improperly used the Central Civil Services Rules of 1965, claiming they never adopted those regulations. During the August 20 hearing, his lawyer said they never received the university's official affidavit. The court moved this matter to September 17.
Pressure is mounting outside the courtroom. On August 19, the Lotha Students' Union, Lotha Youth Hoho, and Lotha Eloe Hoho demanded a resolution. They warned the university to finish disciplinary proceedings before considering his return. The groups voiced strong support for current students, stating: "The bodies also backed concerns raised by the student community and sought a fair and reasoned conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings before any decision on his appeal."
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