Varsity finds serious procedural flaw in lecturer's dismissal

A meeting of the Syndicate, which considered the issue which sparked widespread protests,directed the management of Newman college in Thodupuzha in Idukki distirict to review the dismissal order and "take appropriate further steps in accordence with law, justice and equity."

A press note issued by the University said on conidering the proceedings, the syndicate found that there was naked violation of section 63 (sub section 4) of the MG University Act which stipulates the duration within which the educational agency should complte the proceedings.

As it was a gross error vitiating the entire proceedings, the syndicate resolved to direct the college management to review the dismissl ordrer.Meanwhile, the management said they would respond to the University's directive after getting its decision in writing.

Joseph, who is still struggling to recover from the double blow, had sent a letter to the management, requesting that he be reinstated on humanitarian grounds as he had not deliberately done any harm.

He said his salary was his only source of income to sustain his family and his 25 year record as a teacher had been unblemished.

Joseph, who was teaching Malayalam literature, was first suspended after the question paper row earlier this year and dismissed from service on September 1 on the ground that he had hurt the religious sentiments of a community.

The college authorities had justified their action, holding that it was necessary to assert the secular credentials of the educational institutions run by the church.Writers and academics, mostly from pro-Left circles have rallied round Joseph, condemning the college's action as harsh and inhuman as he had suffered physical assault from fanatics.