IIM Bangalore Caste Discrimination Case: Do They Still Deserve to Hold Their Chairs? BANAE Writes to President

Bangalore/Mumbai - The Director, Dean (Faculty) and six other professors of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore are facing allegations of caste-based discrimination and constitutional violations.

Following an FIR registered by the Bangalore Police (FIR No. 0467/2024) on December 20, the Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar National Association of  Engineers (BANAE) has demanded their immediate removal from their positions.

In a detailed letter addressed to the President of India, who is the Visitor of IIM-Bangalore, and Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairperson of the IIMB-Board of Governors, BANAE President Nagsen Sonare called for urgent action to safeguard justice and protect the constitutional rights of marginalized communities.

Investigation Unveils Systemic Discrimination

The allegations against Dr. Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Director of IIM-Bangalore, and Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Dean (Faculty), stem from an investigation conducted by the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE). The inquiry, led by the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), found substantial evidence of caste-based discrimination and denial of opportunities to Dalit scholar Professor Gopal Das.

The report noted that the accused violated constitutional principles, particularly provisions ensuring equal opportunities and the dignity of the marginalized section. These findings, corroborated by the Social Welfare Commissioner, prompted the registration of the FIR under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The FIR, filed at the Mico Layout Police Station, followed mounting pressure from activists, civil rights organizations, and the public after The Mooknayak first published a report on the DCRE investigation findings on December 19.

BANAE’s Strong Response

In his letter, Nagsen Sonare emphasized the symbolic significance of this case, especially during the celebration of the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution. He wrote, “This sends a very wrong signal to society that even after 75 years of adopting our Constitution, caste-based discrimination persists, even in institutions of national importance like IIM-Bangalore.”

Expressing outrage, Sonare questioned why the accused individuals remain in their positions despite the grave allegations. He further stated, “It is shameful to see how the Director and Dean (Faculty) of IIM Bangalore, an institute of national importance, violated the Constitution. Do they still deserve to hold the chairs? Why are they still holding the chairs?”

BANAE has demanded that both Dr. Krishnan and Dr. Kumar be removed from their posts by December 25, to ensure a free and fair investigation. The association argued that allowing the accused to continue in their roles compromises institutional integrity and the rights of the victims.

The letter also warned of intensified protests if swift action is not taken. Sonare asserted, “For the sake of public interest, free and fair investigation, and adherence to natural justice, the accused must be removed from their positions without delay.”

Meanwhile, The Mooknayak reached out to the Director of IIM Bangalore, seeking any additional clarification or statement on the ongoing issue. In response, a mail was received from Ms. Kavitha Kumar on behalf of the Director.

The statement read: "The allegations are baseless and false. The matter came up for hearing on 20.12.2024 before the Hon'ble Mr Justice Hemanth Chandan Gowdar in the High Court of Karnataka.  The Hon’ble Court, after hearing the parties, stated that it was of the prima facie view that DCRE may not have the jurisdiction to enquire into the matter and therefore passed an order of stay on the Respondents from taking any further coercive steps against the Petitioners."