Govt for action against tainted prof
After coming under severe criticism from the members of all parties, the government on Thursday said that it will request H R Bhardwaj, Governor and Chancellor of universities, to issue directions to initiate action against Prof Shivabasavaiah, who is facing allegations of sexually harassing his research student Sarita in the University of Mysore (UoM).
Higher Education Minister V S Acharya told the Legislative Council the professor was first suspended and later reinstated, not in UoM, but in Kuvempu University. All these were done by the government as per UGC guidelines. But the Supreme Court guidelines prevail over the UGC rules in case a prima facie is established.
Acharya said in the varsity where the professor had been transferred, students and staff refused to allow him to function.
JD(S) member Nanaiah raised the matter, seeking action against Shivabasavaiah for harassing the research student. Members cutting across party lines criticised the government for inaction against the professor, despite recommendations by the State Human Rights Commission and the State Women’s Commission to act against him.
Deputy Chairman Vimala Gowda blamed the Vice-Chancellor for not initiating action. BJP member Siddaraju said since 2000 there were 26 such sexual harassment cases reported from UoM.
There was commotion when the Leader of the Opposition Motamma asked why action had not been initiated against Udupi BJP MLA Raghupati Bhat and Excise Minister Renukacharya for “atrocities against women.” Bharathi Shetty accused Motamma of being biased and indulging in nepotism.
The debate concluded with the intervention of Chairman D H Shankaramurthy.
