The postgraduate teachers’ association of Jayaprakash University is at loggerheads with the administration over alleged infringement on the organisation’s democratic rights.

Last week, university registrar Anil Kumar sought an explanation from the association’s president, Abdul Mullick, on the alleged nomination of political science teacher Ranjit Kumar as the body’s secretary around two months back. The letter was delivered to Mullick, also a postgraduate political science teacher, on October 10. He had to reply in three days.

In his reply sent on Monday, Mullick said not only did the university have no right to challenge the association’s democratic rights but the language used in the registrar’s letter was also offending and humiliating. Copies of the letter have been sent to the chief minister and principal secretary, education.

Denying that Ranjit was nominated to the post of the association’s secretary, Mullick said the organisation had its own laws.

“The election of Ranjit Kumar and other office-bearers was done according to the rules and regulations of the Bihar University Act. As secretary, he had all authority to issue statements on behalf of the association,” he stressed.

Mullick also questioned under which regulation of the university act, an official sought explanation and served showcause notice on the group.

The university’s public relations officer, R.P. Bablu, said: “The university sought an explanation regarding the nomination of the secretary that was not in accordance with the rules and regulations of the constitution of the teachers’ association. A secretary is meant to be elected in the general body meeting of the association and not nominated. Ranjit Kumar, as secretary, has been issuing irresponsible statements damaging the university’s reputation. Legal action can be taken if the reply is found unsatisfactory.”

The association, calling the matter unfortunate, has planned to call a meeting of the general body to denounce the university’s move and plan an agitation.