'Don't Regret It': UP Teacher Sacked Allegedly For Joining Jantar Mantar Protest

According to a report by The Quint, Dr. Mohit Bhardwaj, a teacher based in Uttar Pradesh, has been terminated from his position following his participation in a protest at Jantar Mantar. Dr. Bhardwaj alleges that his sudden dismissal is a direct consequence of his involvement in the demonstration, where he claims to have faced police action, including the use of lathis by security personnel.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding the intersection of professional employment and public activism in India. Dr. Bhardwaj stated that his primary motivation for attending the protest was to advocate on behalf of students, expressing regret over the loss of his livelihood while maintaining that his actions were driven by his commitment to his pupils. The report frames the termination as a retaliatory measure, though specific details regarding the official reason provided by the educational institution remain limited.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the school administration or local education authorities regarding the specific grounds for Dr. Bhardwaj’s dismissal. The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by educators who engage in public advocacy, particularly in the current climate of heightened political sensitivity surrounding student-led and teacher-supported protests in the region.