HRD Ministry denies reports of Shevgaonkar's resignation over 'government pressure'

In a statement, the Ministry said: "The news item reported in the media is factually inaccurate and incorrect and unnecessarily drags the Ministry into issues where no direction has been issued by the Ministry."

According to reports,  Shevgaonkar had resigned after he faced pressure over giving IIT land for a cricket academy of Indian iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar and over pending dues of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.

"There is neither any request from Sachin Tendulkar for the ground of IIT for running a Cricket Academy nor any instruction from Ministry of HRD to provide the same," the Ministry clarified.

"Ministry of HRD has neither forwarded Mr.Swamy’s request to IIT-Delhi nor given any direction to make payment of arrears to Mr.Swamy. Views of DoPT and Finance Ministry have been sought on the matter," it said.

The Ministry said: "Chairman, IIT-Delhi has forwarded Director’s resignation letter on 26th December evening for Appointing Authority’s decision following due process. Resignation can only be accepted by the Appointing Authority. It will have to go to the President for his approval as the Visitor of IIT-Delhi. "

Tendulkar also denied the reports and tweeted: "I am appalled to read the stories that suggest some land has been asked from IIT-D for academy in my name."

"I have not even planned any academy neither do I want any piece of land for any purpose," he said.

"Wish that basic facts are checked from me before publishing such fiction using my name," he said.