Section 16D of The Banaras Hindu University Act, 1915
1[16D. Protection of action taken in good faith.--No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any officer, teacher or other employee of the University for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done by hi m under this Act or the Statutes or the Ordinances or the Regulations.]
Summary
- University employees cannot be sued, prosecuted, or targeted by legal proceedings for actions they take in good faith (meaning with honest intentions).
- This legal shield covers any officer, teacher, or other employee of the University.
- The protection only applies to things done, or intended to be done, under the rules of the Act, Statutes, Ordinances, or Regulations.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can a teacher be sued if they purposely harm a student out of malice?
Yes, the protection only covers actions done or intended to be done in good faith. Malicious actions are not protected.
2. Does this section protect the University as a whole institution from lawsuits?
This specific section explicitly protects any officer, teacher, or other employee of the University, rather than the institution itself.
3. What rules must the employee be trying to follow to get this protection?
They must be acting under the Act, the Statutes, the Ordinances, or the Regulations.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 16D of The Banaras Hindu University Act, 1915, what is the core requirement for an employee to be protected from legal prosecution?
Q2.Under Section 16D of The Banaras Hindu University Act, 1915, which of the following groups of people is granted this protection from legal proceedings?
Q3.Under Section 16D of The Banaras Hindu University Act, 1915, what kinds of legal actions are blocked against staff acting honestly?
Q4.Under Section 16D of The Banaras Hindu University Act, 1915, if a teacher honestly enforces a rule, which level of university rules gives them this legal shield?