<p>The memo to Newman College in Thodupuzha was issued by university vice chancellor Rajan Gurukkal today, varsity sources said.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Police have arrested several activists of the Popular Front of India for the July 4 attack.<br />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.</p>
<p>The memo to Newman College in Thodupuzha was issued by university vice chancellor Rajan Gurukkal today, varsity sources said.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Police have arrested several activists of the Popular Front of India for the July 4 attack.<br />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.</p>