BU reader threatens hunger stir for post

C B Honnusiddartha, a reader at the Department of Kannada Studies of Bangalore University, has threatened to resume his “fast-unto-death” if he doesn’t get justice.

A dispute arose between Honnusiddartha and Ka Vem Srinivasa Murthy, Reader in Kannada, Postgraduate Centre, Kolar, when the latter was appointed chairperson/director of the Centre for Kannada Studies in June.

Murthy had an appointment order issued by the Vice-Chancellor, N Prabhu Dev. Honnusiddartha felt aggrieved as he had been appointed to the same post by the BU Registrar (Administration), B C Mylarappa.

Three days later, Honnusiddartha filed a writ petition in the High Court, which later ruled that neither the V-C nor the Registrar can appoint a chairman to any department. Only the Syndicate had the power to do so, it ordered.

On August 3, the V-C claimed the Syndicate had resolved, “on majority opinion”, to appoint Murthy to the said post. Honnusiddartha refused to accept the Syndicate resolution, saying no debate was held. He launched a fast-unto-death on August 6, but called it off later.