Lucknow — Allegations of targeted harassment and suppression of academic freedom have surfaced against the state administration, as Dr. Ravikant, a Dalit professor at Lucknow University, faces renewed legal action in a three-year-old case deemed baseless by an earlier investigation committee.
Dr. Ravikant, known for his outspoken views on caste injustice, hate politics, and rising social violence, has long been an active voice on pressing societal issues. He is now facing prosecution approval in a case that was previously closed due to lack of evidence — without the necessary approval of the university’s Executive Council, raising concerns over procedural violations.
The controversy centers around a social media post by Dr. Ravikant, where he had critically compared the efforts of Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—who empowered women with education and dignity—to the current influence of the RSS, which he accused of promoting hatred and violence by encouraging women to wield weapons instead of books.
Dr. Ravikant alleges that his criticism of right-wing ideology and his consistent advocacy for Dalit and backward communities have made him a target of political retribution. “When someone doesn’t align with a particular ideology, slapping criminal charges to silence them has become a norm,” he said, adding that freedom of expression must be protected in any democratic society.
Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai visited Dr. Ravikant at his residence and extended his party’s full support. “If required, we will fight this battle in court and also mobilize public resistance against this administrative overreach,” Rai said. He termed the government’s actions “a deliberate attempt to muzzle the voice of a Dalit academician who has consistently highlighted issues of social justice.”
Rai further added, “This government has always been anti-Dalit and anti-backward. Whenever someone from these communities rises and speaks up, they are silenced through legal and administrative harassment. The BJP’s pattern of vendetta politics is now targeting universities and intellectuals.”
The Congress Party condemned the move as an attack on academic autonomy and Dalit representation in higher education. The party has vowed to defend Dr. Ravikant and stand up against any attempts to curtail the rights of socially conscious educators.
The developments have sparked strong reactions among academic and civil rights groups, many of whom are calling for the withdrawal of charges and respect for constitutional rights of expression.
