NK Chaudhary, professor of economics at Patna University. Telegraph picture

Patna, Jan. 9: Patna University authorities have issued showcause notice to economics department professor N.K. Chaudhary for indulging in alleged anti-university and anti-government activities.

Chaudhary, who is immensely popular among students of various departments has time and again joined students in denouncing the university’s anti-student policies.

The charges pressed against the professor date back to September last year when Chaudhary supported an agitation launched by All India Students’ Federation (AISF) against the university, when the latter imposed a fine on students who had failed to file their registration.

The students under the banner of AISF had strongly demonstrated against the university polices and called them anti-students and anti-democratic.

The students had gone on a hunger strike in front of the university campus. Chaudhary had not only backed the students’ demand but also joined the dharna staged by the students.

The hunger strike was called off after the university had agreed for a dialogue with various students’ bodies.

Chaudhary has also been charged with constitution of non-teaching employees union and instigating the employees to go on strike in support of their demands.

Chaudhary has also been charged of using unparliamentary language against former governor and chancellor of universities in Bihar R.S. Gavai. The notice issued by vice-chancellor Shyam Lal states that Chaudhary has been involved in “anti-university and anti-government” activities and he should be suspended.

Chaudhary was earlier suspended by former vice-chancellor of Patna University Y.C. Simhadhari when the former openly protested against the “anti-teacher policies” of the VC.

At the foundation day function of Patna University on October last year, Chaudhary alleged at the inaugural speech that the university authorities failed to address the teachers who were present at the function.

P.K. Poddar, dean, students’ welfare, Patna University, confirmed that notice has been served to Chaudhary on Saturday but he refused to divulge more details over the issue.

Meanwhile, students and teachers of Patna University have strongly protested against the notice but none of the teachers were ready tocome on quote.

Students, owing allegiance to AISF, burnt the effigy of university authorities for serving notice to Chaudhary.