A former teacher at Delhi University, Dr. Ritu Singh, is facing a police case for setting up a street stall selling pakodas (fritters). This unique protest comes after Singh, a Dalit community member, was allegedly fired from her position on grounds of caste discrimination.
Singh, a 28-year-old psychology teacher, was hired at Daulat Ram College in 2019 but dismissed within a year. She claims her termination was illegal and motivated by caste prejudice. To voice her protest, Singh set up a stall outside the Delhi University Arts Faculty. However, her innovative protest has landed her in trouble with the law.
The police have charged Singh under Section 283 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly obstructing public passage. The items on her menu served as further markers of protest. Singh named them things like "jumla pakoda" and "berozgari special chai," with "jumla" being a Hindi term for a false promise.
This case highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities in India, particularly when seeking justice for discrimination. Singh's protest has garnered attention, sparking discussions about caste bias and unequal treatment in the workplace.
