Varsity issues memo to college in Prof sacking issue

The memo to Newman College in Thodupuzha was issued by university vice chancellor Rajan Gurukkal today, varsity sources said.

Unfazed by public criticism, the college had earlier justified its action and refused to abide by the University Syndicate's directive, asking it to reinstate Joseph.

The Syndicate had dubbed the management's action as a 'naked violation' of relevant rules and said it had not followed due procedures while dismissing Joseph.

Joseph had also written to the management to reinstate him but it stood firm, saying its decision was necessary to assert secular credentials of church run educational institutions.

Coming out in support of the college, the Kothamangalam Bishop had also issued a pastoral letter, which was read out in 120 churches during Sunday mass.

Joseph, who was teaching Malayalam literature, was first suspended after the question paper prepared by him with alleged derogatory references to Prophet Mohammad row kicked up a row, with Muslim organisations protesting it. He was dismissed from service on September 1.

Police have arrested several activists of the Popular Front of India for the July 4 attack.
Writers and academics, mostly of pro-Left circles, had rallied round Joseph, condemning the college's action as harsh and inhuman as he had suffered physical assault from fanatics.