Students demand alternate arrangement while inquiry continues
KOZHIKODE: Functionaries of the students union at the Government Medical College, Kozhikode, and a section of postgraduate students staged a protest on the campus on September 24, objecting to the proposed appointment of a faculty member accused of mentally harassing PG students as the acting Head of the Department of Psychiatry.
The union has formally requested the college administration to refrain from assigning the faculty member administrative responsibilities that involve extensive interaction, supervision or authority over the affected postgraduate students while the investigation and related proceedings remain pending, according to a copy of the union letter to Principal K.G. Sajeeth Kumar.
"In view of the investigation [conducted into the mental harassment charges] and the ongoing proceedings, we strongly request that the concerned faculty member should not be appointed as the HoD or entrusted with responsibilities involving extensive interaction, supervision, or administrative authority over the PG students during the period," the union said in its letter.
Background and recent developments
Earlier this year, postgraduate students filed a complaint alleging mental harassment by two faculty members of the Department of Psychiatry, identified in official records as A. Anitha Kumari, Associate Professor, and C.A. Smitha, Assistant Professor. In the immediate aftermath, both teachers were transferred — Dr. Anitha Kumari to Government Medical College Hospital, Idukki, and Dr. Smitha to Government Medical College Hospital, Kollam — and an official inquiry was initiated.
However, both faculty members subsequently obtained a stay against the transfer order and continued in their posts at the Kozhikode institution. It is reported that Dr. Anitha Kumari is now being considered for appointment as the acting Head of the Psychiatry Department on the basis of seniority; the students’ union has objected to that move given the unresolved complaints and inquiry status.
Students warn of strike, seek interim arrangements
The union leaders and protesting students demanded that the college administration provide an alternative arrangement for departmental leadership and supervision until the inquiry and any legal or administrative proceedings are concluded. The letter submitted to the principal warned that a strike would be launched if the concerns were not addressed.
- Complaint lodged: PG students filed allegations of mental harassment earlier this year.
- Transfer and inquiry: Two faculty members were transferred and an inquiry opened.
- Stay and continuation: Transfers were stayed and the faculty returned to their posts.
- Proposed acting HoD: Dr. Anitha Kumari is reportedly being considered for acting HoD on seniority grounds.
- Student demand: No appointment with supervisory authority over PG students until the matter is resolved; threat of strike if ignored.
Possible implications for academic functioning and patient care
The dispute touches on both academic supervision and clinical training for postgraduate psychiatry students. Appointments that place a faculty member accused in a supervisory or administrative role over complainants can affect the learning environment, the fairness perceived in ongoing proceedings and the well‑being of trainees. The union’s letter explicitly highlighted concerns that such an arrangement "will adversely affect the well-being and working arrangement of the PG students and may also raise concerns regarding the fairness of the ongoing proceedings."
Any escalation to a strike could disrupt academic schedules, examinations and clinical services that rely on student participation. The students’ union has set the administration an ultimatum to put in place an interim mechanism that avoids direct supervisory overlap between the accused faculty and the complainant students.
What the college administration has said
The protest and the union’s letter were submitted to Principal K.G. Sajeeth Kumar. The source material records the submission and the protest but does not include an immediate response from the principal or the college administration about whether the proposed acting HoD appointment will be implemented or deferred.
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Complaint lodged | PG students alleged mental harassment by two psychiatry faculty members (earlier this year) |
| Transfers | Dr. Anitha Kumari and Dr. C.A. Smitha were transferred to Idukki and Kollam respectively |
| Inquiry | Official inquiry initiated; transfers later stayed |
| Protest | Students union march and protest on campus on September 24 |
| Union demand | No appointment with supervisory authority until resolution; alternative arrangement sought |
The matter remains unresolved in public records at the time of reporting. Students and union functionaries have underlined the need for an unbiased process that safeguards trainee welfare and ensures the integrity of the inquiry. The administration’s next steps will determine whether the dispute is settled administratively or escalates into a strike that could affect teaching and patient services at the medical college.
