Tripura University’s Illegal Action: Executive Engineer Suspended Without Cause, Employees Voice Strong Dissatisfaction

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 16, 2025

In a controversial move that has sparked outrage within the academic community, Tripura University (TU) has suspended its Executive Engineer, Shri Krishna Das, during the 46th meeting of the Executive Council held on August 14. The suspension was executed without disclosing any valid reason, nor was any show-cause notice served to him, raising serious questions about the legality and fairness of the decision. More interestingly, the suspension order was issued just a day before the Tripura University Vice Chancellor’s retirement, which was scheduled on August 15, 2025.

Shri Das, who has been serving the university since 2014 with an unblemished record, is widely regarded as the key figure behind all major development projects on the campus. However, sources allege that his refusal to compromise with the authorities over rampant corruption within the university led to his punitive suspension. Two writ petitions filed by him against TU are already pending before the Hon’ble Tripura High Court.

The action has been condemned as inhuman, immoral, and illegal, with teaching and non-teaching employees expressing deep dissatisfaction. Legal experts point out that under Article 226 of the Constitution and the Tripura University Act, 2006, no employee, teaching or non-teaching staff can be suspended without a chance to defend themselves or a notice to show cause, especially not for filing writ petitions against the institution.

The controversy deepens against the backdrop of another legal battle concerning the Vice-Chancellor’s son, Assistant Engineer Lalit Prasain. The High Court had recently upheld the maintainability of a writ petition challenging his allegedly illegal appointment, after which Prasain resigned in protest. Allegations have surfaced that the Vice-Chancellor violated TU’s Recruitment Rules to secure employment for his son, who even went on an illegal extraordinary leave (EOL) during his probation period from July 2 to July 31, 2025, and failed to rejoin duty thereafter.

University insiders claim that since Shri Das, as Executive Engineer, was the reporting authority for Assistant Engineer Prasain, his suspension appears to be a vindictive act intended to protect vested interests. This move has caused widespread anger and frustration among employees, with many warning that the situation could escalate further if justice is not ensured.

The suspension of Shri Krishna Das has thus not only raised questions about governance and transparency in Tripura University but has also exposed an alarming pattern of nepotism and misuse of power at the highest levels of the institution.

more news...