Church-run college's decision to sack Kerala professor criticised

The management of the church-run Newman College has sacked Prof TJ Joseph, whose right hand was cut off by Islamists in July.

The management said the professor was removed on the grounds that he had hurt religious sentiment.

This, however, has not gone well with the teaching colleagues and students of the Newman College who held a black day to protest the action by the college authorities.

The decision was taken after considering an inquiry report of a legal committee. The report stated that Joseph had enough time and opportunities to withdraw the question paper and tender apology to the hurt community but he did not do it.

Joseph was attacked on July 4 for allegedly preparing a question paper with derogatory reference to Prophet Mohammad.

Joseph on Saturday told reporters that the management's action was more painful than what he had undergone in recent months. He is now contemplating legal action against the management.

"Joseph is in a state of shock and does not even have the spirit to talk about it. He never thought that the college could do this," Joseph's sister Stella, a nun, said.

Meanwhile, the Syro Malabar Church on Sunday said it would not allow anybody to use its institutions to 'wound' the sentiments of other communities.

"By punishing the teacher, the church has given a clear message to the community at large that it will not permit any individual, even a Christian, to wound the feelings of any other community," Church spokesperson Father Paul Thelekat told PTI.

The Kerala Catholic Federation (KCF) 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.

So far 22 persons have been arrested in the case.