Prof Hatekar re-instated; to face dept inquiry: Mumbai University

Mumbai: 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A statement from the university today said the suspension of professor Neeraj Hatekar has been revoked considering public demand and students` welfare.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.