Pratap Bhanu Mehta resigned as a professor from Ashoka University. This came in less than two years after he stepped down as Vice-Chancellor.
A noted scholar, political scientist and commentator, Mehta has consistently, in his writing and public appearances, questioned the ruling establishment. He is considered one of the nation’s foremost scholars on politics and political theory, Constitutional law, governance and political economy.
A spokesperson confirmed the resignation stating, “During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor and member of faculty, he has contributed immensely to the University. Ashoka University wishes him well for his future endeavours.”
In his resignation letter, he wrote, “After a meeting with Founders it has become abundantly clear to me that my association with the University may be considered a political liability. My public writing in support of a politics that tries to honour constitutional values of freedom and equal respect for all citizens, is perceived to carry risks for the university. In the interests of the University I resign.” He added, “It is clear it is time for me to leave Ashoka.”
A graduate of Oxford and Princeton, Mehta has taught at Harvard, JNU, and the New York University School of Law, he is on the editorial board of leading academic journals including the American Political Science Review, The Journal of Democracy, and India and Global Affairs.
Mehta has won the Malcolm S Adisheshiah Award for Social Sciences in 2010; the Infosys Prize in 2011 and the Amartya Sen Award for Social Science, 2013.
In May 2017, Mehta was named the Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University after what the university called “an extensive global search.”