Karnataka High Court Quashes Lecturer’s Termination, Speaking In Public Interest Isn’t a Misconduct

The Karnataka High Court set aside the termination of Dr. Manjunath R, a guest lecturer at Bengaluru North University, who had publicly highlighted alleged misuse of government grants in Kolar District.

The Court ruled that his press statement was made in the public interest and fell within his right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a). 

Referring to Kameshwar Prasad (1962), it held that peaceful expression cannot be equated to misconduct. 

The Court also cited Swati Priyadarshini (2024) to note that the termination without a fair hearing violated natural justice. The court directed his reinstatement, allowing the University to have a fresh enquiry as per law.