New Delhi — A Delhi court on Tuesday ordered a First Information Report (FIR) to be filed against two professors from Delhi University (DU) and a third individual in connection with a scheme that allegedly duped a woman into paying ₹1 lakh for the publication of research articles as a prerequisite for securing a teaching position.
The complaint, filed by the victim in the New Delhi District Court, claims that the woman was approached by the two faculty members, who purported to facilitate the publication of her research in reputable journals. According to the allegation, the professors assured her that the publications were necessary to obtain a teaching job and demanded ₹1 lakh as a processing fee. After the payment, the promised publications did not materialise.
The court, presided over by Justice Sushil Kumar, found sufficient prima facie evidence to direct the police to register an FIR against the two professors and an additional suspect identified as “Mr X,” who is alleged to have coordinated the fraudulent scheme. The bench also ordered the police to interrogate the accused and to preserve any electronic evidence, including emails and bank transaction records, related to the case.
The Delhi University administration declined to comment on ongoing investigations but said it would cooperate fully with law‑enforcement agencies. A university spokesperson added that the institution “takes allegations of academic misconduct very seriously” and that any violation of university norms would be dealt with in accordance with internal disciplinary procedures.
Legal experts note that filing an FIR is a procedural step that enables the police to begin a formal investigation, but it does not constitute a conviction. “The accused will have the opportunity to present their defense, and the investigation will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial,” said Advocate Neha Sharma, who specializes in criminal law.
The case highlights growing concerns over fraudulent services that exploit aspiring academics. Several similar scams have been reported across India, where individuals pose as university officials or journal editors to extract money from students and job seekers promising guaranteed publications or placements. Consumer‑rights groups have urged tighter regulation of such illicit operations and greater awareness among prospective scholars.
Analysis:
The court’s decision to order an FIR suggests that the allegations are deemed credible enough to warrant a formal police probe. If the professors indeed misused their academic positions to solicit money, it could constitute criminal breach of trust and fraud, as well as violation of university ethics codes. The involvement of a third party indicates a possible organized network targeting vulnerable candidates.
The investigation’s outcome may have broader implications for the academic community, prompting universities to review oversight mechanisms for faculty‑student interactions and to implement safeguards against exploitation. It also underscores the need for clear communication from institutions about legitimate publication processes, which are typically governed by peer‑review standards and do not require upfront payments.
Sources
– Hindustan Times, “Court orders FIR against 2 Delhi University professors, another over fake teaching job scam,” July 4 2026, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/court-orders-fir-against-2-delhi-university-professors-another-over-fake-teaching-job-scam-101783129443690.html
Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source
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