Are Faculty Members In Private Universities Protected Under Labor Laws?

Faculty members working in private universities in India are indeed protected under various labor and employment laws. Although the university is governed privately, its employees, including teachers, have enforceable rights related to job security, salary, and workplace conditions. These rights ensure that institutions maintain fair practices and protect educators from exploitation.

Legal Protections Available

Employment Contract:
Faculty appointments in private universities are governed by a contract of employment, which outlines job terms, salary, working conditions, and termination clauses. This contract is legally binding.

Industrial Disputes Act, 1947:
In certain cases, teaching staff may be treated as workmen under this Act if they fulfill defined conditions. This can allow them to raise disputes regarding termination or other employment-related issues before Labour Courts.

Payment of Wages Act, 1936:
Ensures timely payment of salaries and allows legal action in case of salary delays or illegal deductions.

Maternity Benefit Act, 1961:
Female faculty are entitled to paid maternity leave and protection from dismissal during maternity.

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013:
Faculty members are protected from workplace harassment and can approach the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for redressal.

Termination Protection:
Arbitrary or unfair termination can be challenged in civil court, especially if it violates contractual terms or principles of natural justice.

Steps Faculty Can Take

Review Employment Contract:
Understand the terms of service, especially clauses related to termination, salary, and grievance resolution.

Raise Internal Complaint:
Use the university’s internal grievance mechanisms, including approaching the ICC (for harassment) or HR (for other disputes).

Send Legal Notice:
If informal resolution fails, a legal notice can be sent to the university management highlighting the breach of contract or law.

Approach Labor Commissioner or Court:
Faculty members can file a complaint with the Labour Commissioner or Labour Court, depending on the nature of the dispute.

File a Civil Suit:
For contract violations, salary disputes, or wrongful termination, civil remedies like damages or reinstatement can be sought.

Example

In 2022, a faculty member at a private university in Maharashtra was terminated without notice and not paid two months’ salary.

After approaching the HR department with no resolution, the teacher filed a complaint with the Labour Commissioner and also served a legal notice to the university.

The dispute was taken to court, where the university was ordered to pay the pending salary along with compensation for wrongful termination.

This case reaffirmed that faculty in private institutions have legal recourse and protections under labor laws.