MU: Prof Hatekar re-instated; to face dept inquiry

Mumbai University has reinstated an economics professor, who was suspended by the Vice Chancellor for holding a press conference to criticise the functioning of the educational institution.
A statement from the university today said the suspension of professor Neeraj Hatekar has been revoked considering public demand and students' welfare.
A one-member fact-finding committee appointed by VC Rajan Weluk to probe Hatekar's conduct and the issues raised by him made a presentation to the Management Council yesterday.
The Management Council discussed the issue for over 10 hours, the statement said.
The probe found no basis of Hatekar's charges against the functioning of the university. It also said the Management Council's decision and VC's action of suspending him under Section 14(4) of Maharashtra Universities Act, earlier this month, was proper.

The Management Council has recommended that retired Judge D G Deshpande head the departmental inquiry against Hatekar. As part of natural justice, Hatekar be called for his version as well, the statement said.