New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday upheld the termination of a Delhi University faculty member who demanded cash, a cell phone, diamond earrings and other items from students as bribe in exchange for attendance and marks.

Justice Jasmeet Singh, in a September 12 verdict, described the misconduct as “grave” and striking “at the core of academic integrity.”

The petitioner, a former reader in the commerce department of a DU college, had challenged a 2012 ruling upholding her termination. The case dates back to 2008, when several students accused her of demanding illegal gratification including cash, pearl strings, diamond earrings and even a saree in return for attendance and marks.

The petitioner claimed the complaints were fabricated as part of a conspiracy against her and argued that audio recordings submitted as evidence were edited.

An inquiry and subsequent appeals committee both upheld the misconduct charges. The appeals committee reduced the penalty from dismissal to termination to allow her retirement benefits.

The high court noted that further substituting termination with voluntary retirement would amount to impermissible modification of the award. It found the proceedings fair, evidence sufficient, and the penalty appropriately tempered by leniency.

The petitioner had also alleged violation of statutory safeguards, improper constitution of the inquiry committee, unreliable evidence, denial of legal assistance, and negation of fair opportunity.