Kohima: The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench reserved its judgment on October 8 regarding a writ petition from Nagaland University professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti. He wants to scrap an office order issued June 2, 2025, that forced him into retirement after a disciplinary review. Justice N Unni Krishnan Nair finalized the hearing after reviewing arguments from both sides. The court allowed parties to submit written notes by October 9. The judge noted the verdict will likely drop after the Puja holidays, which run October 19 to 22.
Yenisetti filed the petition this June. He claims the university based its inquiry on the Central Civil Services Rules of 1965 despite failing to officially adopt them. This error makes the entire process void, he argues. He also disputes the use of Statute 28(2) of Nagaland University to force him out, insisting compulsory retirement is not a valid penalty under the current rules. The case stems from a violent episode in the Department of Zoology on November 25, 2024.
The University Registrar filed an FIR alleging that Yenisetti wielded a machete and verbally attacked a student. He also allegedly physically manhandled an Assistant Professor while intimidating other students and researchers. As the judge stated in the order, "Heard the learned Counsel for the Parties at length. Hearing concluded. Judgment reserved. However, the parties are at liberty to file their written submission on 09.10.2026."
A separate criminal case also hangs over the professor. He moved to quash charges framed by the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Zunheboto on January 23, 2026, citing procedural errors by police and the court. That matter stalled on October 8 when Justice N Mozhui recused himself from the case. Justice Helen Dawngliani previously stayed the criminal trial proceedings on September 22.
Comments