Kerala college dumps controversial lecturer's plea

Despite widespread criticism against its action, the management of the church-run Newman college rejected the plea of lecturer T J Joseph to revoke his dismissal for setting a question paper, which hurt the sentiments of Muslims and for which his hand was hacked off by activists of a radical outfit.

In his reply to Joseph's personal appeal, College Manager Fr Thomas Malekkudy made it clear on Thursday that the explanations of Joseph were not convincing at all and any relaxation of the disciplinary action would be based only on the decision of the court, church sources said.

The management held that Joseph, in his reply to any of the letters sent by the college since the controversy broke out, had ever admitted that he committed a serious mistake through preparing the controversial question.

Instead, the management maintained, after the question sparked controversy and created social unrest, the lecturer had tried to shed personal responsibility for the situation and sought to put the blame on the college principal and the management.

Incidentally, the management has toughened its position close

on the heels of the Syndicate of Mahatma Gandhi University directing the college to reconsider the decision, as the college authorities did not follow the due procedures in the case.

Reacting to the Syndicate's stand, the college authorities on Thursday said they would respond to it on getting the order.

Joseph was suspended from service in March last after a question set by him for the internal examination of Malayalam sparked outcry from Muslim outfits, alleging it contained derogatory references to Prophet Muhammad.

In a shocking turn of event, Joseph was waylaid by a gang while he was returning from church at Muvvattupuzha on a Sunday in July and his right had was chopped off.

Radical outfit Popular Front of India was suspected to be behind the attack on Joseph and several of its activists had been arrested.

Joseph received yet another blow last week with the college management dismissing him from service, an action that triggered much public outcry.

Two day's back Joseph made a personal plea to the college management to take him back to service as his family relied totally on the income from his job.