Published for Complaining: Doctoral Student Moves HC Over Bribe Allegation Against PhD Guide

A doctoral student from Vadodara district has moved the Gujarat High Court, alleging that her PhD guide demanded an iPad and a printer as a bribe. She claims that when she refused, her research work was obstructed and her academic progress was deliberately stalled.

The student, Priyanka Vasava from Dabhoi, enrolled in a PhD programme in February 2020 at Shri Govind Guru University, Godhra. Her research topic focused on biodegradable and non-biodegradable components, and she was working under the supervision of Dr. Lata Raj from Shree CNPF Arts & DN Science College, Dabhoi.

Vasava stated that she lodged a complaint on December 31, 2021, accusing her guide of demanding electronic devices for personal use. After she declined, she alleges that her guide refused to approve bills related to her Rs 4-lakh SHODH fellowship, and withheld signatures on her attendance and evaluation reports for months. She also claimed that she was subjected to caste-based insults.

Despite submitting multiple complaints, the university allegedly did not take action for over four years. Instead, Vasava received a notice in May 2023 asking her to return her fellowship money or the wages she earned as a part-time lecturer. Another notice questioned why her PhD registration should not be cancelled.

In November 2024, she issued a legal notice accusing the university of punishing her for reporting misconduct rather than addressing her concerns. She approached the High Court seeking an enquiry into her allegations and requesting a new research guide so she can complete her PhD.

Justice Nirzar Desai, while hearing the matter, said that since the student’s requests were reasonable and her complaint had remained undecided for over five years, the university must now review her 2021 representation promptly, issue a reasoned decision, and inform her through Speed Post.