Bahujan Collectives Slam Ashoka University for Appointing Ex-IIMB Director Facing Caste Atrocities Case as Vice-Chancellor

New Delhi- The appointment of Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan as Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University has triggered anger and opposition from the Bahujan fraternity.

The university announced the appointment of the former Director of IIM Bangalore recently with Prof. Krishnan set to take charge on August 1, succeeding Prof. Somak Raychaudhury for an initial three-year term. Ashoka University highlighted his credentials as a respected academic leader, IIT Kanpur and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, and expert in innovation and management education.

The move has drawn sharp criticism, notably from the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Association of Engineers (BANAE), which issued a formal objection letter to the university's members. The All India OBC Students Association, too objected the move, expressing the disagreement on x.

Caste-based Harassment at IIM-B & the FIR

The controversy stems from allegations of caste-based discrimination at IIM Bangalore during Prof. Krishnan's tenure as Director. Associate Professor Gopal Das, belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, filed a complaint alleging public humiliation, exclusion, denial of equal opportunities, and caste-based harassment by senior officials, including the Director.

An inquiry by the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) reportedly found evidence supporting these claims, noting that Prof. Krishnan had publicly disclosed Prof. Das's caste status through a mass email circulated within the institute, along with other instances of alleged discrimination. This led the Karnataka Department of Social Welfare to direct police action.

On December 20, 2024, FIR No. 0467 of 2024 was registered at Mico Layout Police Station, Bengaluru, against Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan (Accused No. 1) and seven other IIM-B faculty members. It was filed under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (insulting or intimidating a member of SC/ST community and abusing by caste name), along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal intimidation provisions.

The matter, including related proceedings such as Writ Petition No. 19036 of 2024 and Criminal Petition No. 14410 of 2024, remains pending before the Karnataka High Court. The High Court has stayed the FIR proceedings and investigation against Prof. Krishnan and the other accused, as well as certain parallel administrative inquiries. The case continues to be subject to due process and adjudication by the competent legal authorities, with no final adjudication on the merits as of now.

How Can SC/ST Act Accused Become a Vice-Chancellor?

In the communication signed by National President Nagsen Sonare, BANAE placed on record details of the pending criminal case against Prof. Krishnan, emphasizing the institution's commitment to highest international standards in education while stressing that the communication is purely informational and without prejudice to ongoing legal proceedings.

AIOBCSA president Kiran Gowd posed a serious question, "How can Ashoka University appoint the former Director of IIM Bangalore, who is the prime accused in the caste discrimination case, as its Vice-Chancellor? During his tenure, he allegedly ruined the careers of young SC, ST, and OBC Assistant Professors."

Anil H Wagde, a prominent anti-caste activist and member of Ambedkar International Center too criticised the IIMB's bias towards Prof Gopal Das.Wagde pointed out that the accused director and administration systematically limited Dr. Das’s teaching opportunities. 

Although the institute claimed that offering MBA electives depended on student preferences, they allegedly ensured Dr. Das did not receive adequate support, such as teaching assistants, to run his courses effectively. His electives were often discontinued after just one or two semesters, and he was not assigned any core courses. Additionally, Dr. Das’s name was reportedly disguised during the MBA course bidding process, a move Wagde described as humiliating.

Moreover, Wagde emphasized that Dr. Das was excluded from participating in key institute activities and committees. Despite receiving exceptional teaching feedback and producing notable research and publications, he was denied equal opportunities in PhD teaching, a process controlled by the accused individuals.

The critics argue that the Prof Krishna's appointment overlooks these serious allegations and their impact on the careers of young SC, ST, and OBC faculty. The development has sparked debates on institutional accountability, diversity in higher education leadership, and the handling of caste discrimination complaints in higher educational institutions.