Kolkata Professor Forced to Resign Over Instagram Photos
In a controversial incident at Kolkata’s St. Xavier’s University, an assistant professor of English, Nandini Guha, alleged that she was forced to resign due to private Instagram photos. The situation sparked heated debates about privacy rights, gender bias, and harassment in academic institutions.
Complaint and Allegations
The issue began when a parent of a first-year male student filed a complaint against Guha. The parent claimed he found his son viewing photos of the professor on her private Instagram account, describing them as “vulgar,” “objectionable,” and “bordering on nudity.”
In his letter to the university, the parent stated, “It is obscene for an 18-year-old student to see his professor dressed in such a manner on a public platform. This is improper and disgraceful for an academic professional.”
Professor’s Defense
Guha refuted these claims, asserting that her Instagram account was private and accessible only to approved followers. She stated that the photos in question had been shared months before she joined the university and were not intended for public exposure.
According to Guha, the university handed her the parent’s complaint and thumbnails of the images. She claimed she was pressured to resign, accused of tarnishing the institution’s reputation. However, St. Xavier’s University denied her allegations, stating that Guha resigned voluntarily.
Legal and Police Actions
On October 24, 2021, Guha filed a police complaint alleging that her Instagram account might have been hacked or her images illegally accessed and shared. She accused the university of sexual harassment and intentional character assassination.
She said, “The only way my Instagram photos could have been accessed is through hacking or unauthorized screenshots taken and circulated.”
In March 2022, Guha sent a legal notice to the university requesting a copy of the parent’s complaint, meeting minutes, and other related documents. The university responded by calling the allegations “false, frivolous, and fabricated” and demanded an unconditional apology and ₹99 crore in damages for harming its reputation.
University’s Stance
St. Xavier’s University denied coercing Guha to resign, claiming her departure was voluntary. They argued that her allegations lacked evidence and emphasized the need to protect the institution’s name and goodwill.
Conclusion
This case has brought attention to critical issues like privacy violations, harassment, and gender discrimination in academia. It highlights the need for a balanced approach to social media policies for educators while safeguarding their personal rights.
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