IIM Bangalore Under Fire: Professor Accused of Caste Bias Promoted, Dalit Complainant Denied
In recent developments, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is facing intense scrutiny over its faculty promotion practices, particularly concerning allegations of caste-based discrimination. The situation has escalated following the promotion of Professor Ashish Mishra, who is embroiled in a criminal case, while Associate Professor Gopal Das, a Scheduled Caste (SC) faculty member, has been denied promotion since 2022.
Background of the Controversy
Professor Gopal Das, who has been a faculty member in the Marketing area, has alleged systemic caste-based discrimination at IIMB. His claims include instances of public humiliation, exclusion from committees and activities, restricted access to resources, and denial of equal opportunities. These allegations gained significant attention when Das wrote to President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to the institute, prompting an investigation by Karnataka’s Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE).
Allegations and Investigations
The DCRE investigation reportedly found prima facie evidence of violations related to caste discrimination and recommended the initiation of criminal proceedings. As a result, a criminal case, FIR No. 0467/2024, was registered in December 2024 at the Mico Layout Police Station in Bengaluru. This case names eight individuals, including IIM Bangalore Director Dr. Rishikesh T. Krishnan and seven professors: Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Dr. Sainesh G, Dr. Srinivas Prakhya, Dr. Chetan Subramanian, Dr. Ashish Mishra, Dr. Srilatha Jonnalagedda, and Dr. Rahul De.
Promotion Discrepancies
Despite being named in the same FIR and facing ongoing legal proceedings, Professor Ashish Mishra has recently been promoted to full professor. This decision has raised serious questions about the consistency and fairness of promotion practices at IIMB, especially in light of the institution’s stated policies that typically bar or defer promotions during active investigations.
Concerns Over Procedural Fairness
The contrasting treatment of Professors Das and Mishra has sparked concerns about procedural fairness and the potential for indirect discrimination within the institution. Critics argue that the administration’s actions reflect a troubling inconsistency in applying promotion rules, particularly in cases involving allegations of caste-based discrimination.
Legal and Institutional Responses
In response to the situation, a representation was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu by Nagsen Sonare, the National President of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Association of Engineers (BANAE). The representation highlights the disparities in promotion practices at IIMB and calls for an examination of the adequacy of institutional safeguards against caste-based discrimination.
Key Points from the Representation
- The representation emphasizes that IIM Bangalore is bound by The IIM Act (as amended) and Government of India policies on reservation and promotion.
- It references constitutional mandates under Articles 14, 15, 16, and 17 of the Constitution of India, which address equality and prohibition of discrimination.
- Sonare clarified that the representation does not seek to adjudicate individual disputes or comment on matters pending before courts.
- Instead, it aims to highlight apparent deviations in promotion norms and the need for institutional safeguards against caste-based discrimination.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The criminal case against the accused faculty members remains pending in court, with some proceedings having been stayed by the Karnataka High Court in late 2024. The situation continues to evolve as the legal process unfolds, and the implications for IIM Bangalore and its faculty are yet to be fully realized.
Conclusion
The ongoing controversy at IIM Bangalore raises critical questions about the treatment of Dalit faculty members and the institution’s commitment to upholding principles of equality and justice. The differential treatment of Professors Das and Mishra not only highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities within academic institutions but also calls for a reevaluation of policies and practices to ensure fairness and equity in promotion processes.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on available reports and ongoing legal proceedings. The situation is subject to change as new developments arise.
