PROF. JOSEPH’S DISMISSAL
WAS CRUEL AND INHUMAN
Prof. Joseph, a teacher of Newman College, Thodupuzha in Idukki district of Kerala, who was attacked by extremist elements in July, 2010 on the accusation that he had hurt religious sentiments by setting a question paper with certain blasphemous sentences, was dismissed from service by the college management of Saturday 4th September, 2010.
Prof. T.J Joseph, who was the head of the college’s Malayalam Department, had two more years of service. The management hd suspended him from service in march when the question paper set for an internal examination for B com. Students created a controversy. A few organizations took to the streets in Thodupuzha and curfew was imposed in the town.
The radical activists, reportedly owing allegiance to the popular Front of India (PFI) way laid his car as he was returning home from his church, hacked him and chopped off his right palam, in front of his mother and sister.
Action was taken following an enquiry led by two senior lawyers. The dismissal attracted widespread condemnation in the state.
The Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithy on Saturday 5th September, 2010 condemned the dismissal of the Prof Joseph of Newman College; Thodupuzha was attacked by Popular Front of India workers two months ago.
Prof .John Kurakar, president, KeralaKavya Kala Sahithy described Prof.Joseph had repeatedly tried to convince society of his innocence. He had said that if he had hurt any section, it was not deliberate. He also sought pardon for it. Various sections of society, including Muslims had accepted it. Mahatma Gandhi Univerfsity withdrew the action taken against him.
The All Kerala Private College Teachers Association and the Association of Kerala Government College Teachers also condemned action against the professor. The Association described it as another cruel punishment. Association demanded the reconsideration of the decision of the management.
Kurakar cultural Association described it as a cruel punishment of a person who was being hounded physically and mentally. All Associations and persons to raise their voice against the punishment. The college management should withdraw the ‘inhuman’ decision at the earliest.
Prof. John Kurakar
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