Osmania University suspends ex-president of teachers’ body Prof. B Manohar for ‘defamation campaign’

Hyderabad: Osmania University (OU) has formally suspended Prof. B Manohar, the former President of the Osmania University Teachers’ Association (OUTA), following a high-level investigation into allegations of ethical violations and administrative interference.

The suspension comes after an eight-member internal committee concluded that Prof Manohar engaged in a ‘sustained defamation campaign’ against the university leadership and attempted to operate a ‘parallel administration.’

‘Professor’s actions amount to systematic obstruction’

The university’s decision follows months of escalating tension between Prof. Manohar and the administration. According to the committee’s report, the professor’s actions moved beyond academic dissent into systematic obstruction.

Key findings from the report include:

Administrative interference: Prof. Manohar allegedly attempted to pressure the administration into bypassing meritocratic standards for university concessions.

Misuse of authority: The report claims he continued to issue mandates using OUTA letterheads that had expired in September 2024 to mislead government offices and the public.

Media sabotage: The university accused the professor of feeding ‘fabricated stories’ and erroneous data to specific media outlets to damage the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and senior officials.

Fallout from promotion disputes

The friction reportedly intensified following the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions on September 29, 2025.

While the university maintains that the 95 promotions were merit-based and transparent, Prof. Manohar allegedly launched a campaign to discredit the process, inciting unrest among faculty and students.

Personal vendettas given priority, says OU admin

Registrar Prof. G Naresh Reddy stated that the institution could no longer tolerate conduct that ‘dismantles its reputation’ while the individual continues to draw benefits from it.

“An institution of Osmania’s stature cannot be held hostage to the whims of an individual,” Prof. Reddy said. “By prioritising personal vendettas over academic excellence, Prof. Manohar has caused irreparable harm to the university’s global standing.”

The Registrar further noted that Prof. Manohar was given multiple opportunities to rectify his behaviour but remained ‘evasive and dismissive’ in his responses.

Commitment to campus peace

Osmania University officials reaffirmed that promotions and academic advancement would remain strictly tied to qualitative milestones rather than ‘pressure tactics.’

The administration warned that stringent action will continue to be taken against any staff member, regardless of rank, who violates service rules or seeks to destabilise the campus environment.