IISc’s Reputation and New Future
Legal Action Against Kris Gopalakrishnan and IISc Officials in Caste-Based Discrimination Case
Bengaluru’s legal system has taken a serious step in addressing caste-based discrimination, as Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan and 17 others, including former IISc officials, have been charged under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case comes after a complaint by Sanna Durgappa, a former assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The complainant alleges he was falsely implicated in a honey trap case, which led to his dismissal from IISc due to caste-based discrimination.
Accusations of Caste-Based Harassment and Honey Trap
Durgappa claims that he was the target of caste-based harassment while working at IISc’s Centre for Sustainable Technology. The most shocking of his allegations involves a honey trap case in 2014, which he argues was concocted to malign his reputation. Durgappa asserts that the incident was not only part of a larger discriminatory agenda but also aimed to remove him from his academic position due to his caste background.
“This was not just a personal attack; it was an attempt to destroy my professional life because of my caste,” Durgappa stated.
The Involvement of Kris Gopalakrishnan and IISc’s Administration
Kris Gopalakrishnan, known for his leadership in the tech sector, is named in the case due to his position as a member of IISc’s Board of Trustees. Although he has been a proponent of diversity in the corporate world, his involvement in this case has raised concerns about the institutional culture at IISc. Along with him, other key figures from IISc, including its former director, Balaram P, have been accused of contributing to the caste-based discrimination that allegedly took place.
SC/ST Act: A Key Legal Tool Against Caste-Based Discrimination
The case has been filed under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which provides legal recourse for those subjected to caste-based violence and discrimination. If proven guilty, the accused could face severe penalties, including imprisonment. The case highlights the importance of legal measures in addressing caste-based discrimination, especially within educational institutions.
Experts believe that this case could lead to more stringent enforcement of the SC/ST Act in academic institutions and further spark conversations on diversity and inclusion policies.
Reputation of IISc and Future Policy Changes
The allegations against IISc have cast a shadow over the institution’s reputation, known for producing some of the country’s finest researchers and academics. With the involvement of high-profile figures like Kris Gopalakrishnan, this case is expected to prompt significant scrutiny and lead to internal reforms at IISc to prevent future occurrences of caste-based discrimination.
