Dr. A Shaija, a professor at NIT-Calicut, is under investigation for praising Nathuram Godse on Facebook. Legal action ensues, sparking a debate on free speech in educational institutions.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI– In a development that has sparked outrage and demands for swift action, Dr. A Shaija, a professor at the National Institute of Technology – Calicut (NIT-C), is facing legal consequences for a Facebook post that praised Nathuram Godse, the Hindutva militant who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.
On the anniversary of Gandhi’s death, Dr. Shaija posted on Facebook, stating, “Proud of Godse for saving India.” This comment came in response to a post by an advocate who referred to Nathuram Godse as a hero of many in Bharat (India).
Although Dr. Shaija later deleted the comment, screenshots of her post circulated widely on social media. Subsequently, three organizations filed complaints against the professor, leading to the registration of a case under IPC section 153 (wantonly giving provocation, with intent to cause riot) by the police.
Congress MP M K Raghavan, who represents Kozhikode (Calicut), expressed his dismay over the incident, emphasizing the inappropriate nature of the comment against Mahatma Gandhi and the praise for Godse by a person in a responsible position at NIT. He called for exemplary action to be taken by the authorities concerned.
In response to the controversy, MP Raghavan wrote a letter to the director of NIT-C, highlighting the potential impact of such statements on the academic integrity of the institution. He stressed the importance of maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and intolerance-free academic environment.
This incident comes in the wake of recent controversies at NIT-C, including the suspension of a Dalit student, Vysakh Premkumar, for raising a placard that stated, “India is not a Ram Rajya.” The suspension, later put on hold pending an appeal, triggered protests on the campus.
As the controversy surrounding Dr. Shaija’s Facebook post continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the boundaries of free speech in educational institutions and the need to ensure a conducive and respectful academic environment. Authorities are now under pressure to address these concerns and take appropriate action against any form of intolerance or hate speech within the institution.