Kashmir University Allegedly Terminates Over 40 Contractual Lecturers Despite Court Order

Kashmir University Allegedly Terminates Over 40 Contractual Lecturers Despite Court Order

Kashmir University has allegedly terminated the services of over 40 contractual lecturers without formal notice, despite a Jammu and Kashmir High Court order directing the continuation of their employment.

Details available with news agency JKNS stated that the J&K High Court, in its December 24, 2024, ruling, had instructed the university to retain these lecturers and refrain from making new appointments in their place. 

However, after the winter break, on March 4, 2025, department heads reportedly verbally informed the lecturers that their services were no longer required and instructed them not to enter classrooms or mark their attendance.

Sources revealed to news agency JKNS that the verbal termination orders were issued on the instructions of the Vice-Chancellor of Kashmir University. 

Among the terminated lecturers, some are over 40 years of age, making them ineligible to apply for government jobs, raising serious concerns about their future employment prospects.

Details available with news agency JKNS stated the affected lecturers, many holding PhD and M.Tech degrees, have been serving in various departments at the university’s main campus, North Campus, and the Institute of Technology (IOT) Zakura for the past four to seven years.

The affected lecturers have urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chancellor of Kashmir University, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene immediately to safeguard their rights and prevent further distress after years of dedicated service on low wages. (JKNS)