India

NIT-Calicut professor appointed dean amid controversy over Godse praise

February 26, 2025

A professor at the National Institute of Technology-Calicut (NIT-Calicut), facing a police case for praising Nathuram Godse on Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyr’s Day, has been appointed as the Dean of the Planning and Development Department. According to an official order from the institute’s Director, Dr. Shaija A will assume the position on March 7.

Arrest and bail in social media case

Dr. Shaija was arrested and later released on bail in February last year following complaints from organisations, including the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and the Youth Congress. The complaints were based on her social media post, where she allegedly expressed “pride” in Godse for assassinating Mahatma Gandhi and thus “saving India.” The post was in response to a message shared by a right-wing advocate.

Opposition from political parties

Several political parties have opposed Dr. Shaija’s appointment. DYFI, the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has announced a protest march to the institute.

Institute’s transition plan

As per the Director’s order, Dr. Shaija will work alongside the current Dean, Dr. Priya Chandran, until March 7 to ensure a “smooth changeover.” The appointment is initially for two years or until further orders.

Police case details

The Kunnamangalam police had registered a case against Dr. Shaija under Section 153 of the Indian Penal Code (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riots). She was questioned at her residence in Chathamangalam, and the Kunnamangalam court later granted her anticipatory bail.