Church defends college's decision to sack Prof Joseph

The Syro Malabar Catholic Church Sunday defended the decision taken by the Newman College in sacking a Christian professor whose right hand was allegedly chopped off by radical Muslims.

In a circular read out in churches under the Kothamangalam Dioceses in Ernakulam district, head of the diocese Bishop George Punakottil said the decision to sack Prof TJ Joseph came after a detailed inquiry.

The commission heading the inquiry apparently found it was a "deliberate attempt" by the professor to include the controversial question, stated the circular read out at about 155 churches.

Joseph's dismissal came barely two months after his hand was chopped off by fundamentalists for setting a question paper which had derogatory references to Prophet Muhammad.

"The finding of the commission that enquired the incident is that the professor had deliberately included the controversial question," said Bishop Punakottil.

However, the professor denied any wrongdoing and said he would not deliberately hurt the sentiments of any community.

"I do not want to seek forgiveness for what I have not done. I do not want such a concession from the Church," he told reporters.

State Education Minister MA Baby and the Mahatma Gandhi University syndicate meanwhile have criticised the college management for dismissing the professor from service. Some church figures have also condemned the decision by the management.

The Kerala Catholic Federation (KCF) earlier described the management's decision a 'talibanism' being practised by the Catholic Church.

The decision was 'unkindest cut of all', Federation's president, Joy Paul Pudussery said in a statement.