The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice on Monday issued notices to the Comasts University rector as well as secretary science and technology on a petition against strike call given by the university faculty.
The court directed the secretary of the ministry and Comsats rector "to nominate their respective authorise representatives to appear before this court and explain the measures taken to ensure that the academic and examination schedules are not disrupted by the strike."
Besides, the court also directed then to explain what action has been taken against the representatives of the Academic Staff Association for threatening to disrupt the academic and examination schedules. Academic Staff Association of Comsats last week held a protest walk on the campus and announced that from Monday they would boycott classes against the interim setup and its policies.
Comsats University has been facing administrative issues for the last few years as it is being run under an Adhoc setup consisting of the acting rector, registrar and other officials.
The Academic Staff Association counsel appeared along with Assistant Professor Dr Mazhar Ali. They were asked under what authority of law the strike call was given which has caused disruption of the academic as well as examination schedules. They could not give any legal justification for observing the strike nor could they satisfy the court that the course adopted by them to pressurize the management to accept their demands is backed by law.
The counsel, however, argued that since the university was being run on Adhoc basis, the routine issues of the academic staff were not being redressed.
The court expressed its dismay that the respondent university management had allowed its faculty members to resort illegal activities which inevitably was infringing the fundamental rights of the petitioners and other students.
"It is noted that dependent university, as well as every member of its faculty, owe a duty of care towards the enrolled students. It is the duty of the respondent University to initiate disciplinary proceedings against those members of the faculty who in any manner are involved in the disruption of the academic and examination schedules. The failure on part of the respondent university in ensuring that examinations are held as per the notified schedules is a gross violation of the fundamental rights," the court order noted.
Those who issued strike call were not empowered to disrupt academic and examination schedules and thus cause irreparable loss to the enrolled students. Each member of the academic faculty is expected to observe exemplary conduct so that he or she, as the case may be, is a role model for the enrolled students, Justice Minallah observed.
The court noted that it was the obligation of the university administration to take appropriate measures against any employee who engages in illegal activities or unauthorised trade unionism. A teacher is expected to inspire the students and demonstrate high standards associated with this noble profession. It has been aptly stated that "teaching is a profession that is the mother of all occupations".
Further hearing in this matter has been adjourned till Tuesday (today).