Nithyakalyani Narayanan. V
The Calcutta High Court, on May 2nd, issued directives aimed at ensuring teachers maintain professional conduct and abstain from engaging in political activities. These guidelines, stated by Justice Shampa Dutt (Paul), underscore the importance of ethical behaviour within the educational realm. They include:
- Upholding respect for students by fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
- Demonstrating competence by mastering subject matter and effective teaching methods.
- Practicing integrity through honesty and transparency in academic and administrative dealings.
- Exercising professionalism by maintaining appropriate boundaries in interactions with colleagues and students.
- Upholding fairness and impartiality in evaluating student work and providing feedback.
- Committing to continuous improvement through participation in professional development opportunities.
- Promoting collegiality by collaborating with peers for the betterment of the academic community.
- Adhering to institutional policies regarding instruction, research, and student support.
The plea submitted by the Principal of Hooghly Women’s College, seeking dismissal of a defamation lawsuit filed by a college teacher, drew attention to the detrimental effects of political interference on educational objectives. The court noted the regrettable consequences of such influence, which undermines the welfare of students.
Allegations against the petitioner included spreading false information about the respondent teacher and criticizing the college’s state of affairs in a public interview. However, the court found insufficient evidence to support these claims and ruled that they exceeded the scope of defamation exceptions under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code.
Advocates representing both parties presented their arguments, with the petitioner’s legal team consisting of Advocates Apalak Basu, Abhradip Jha and Jagriti Bhattacharya, while the respondent was represented by Advocates Goutam Brahma, Tapash Das, Pampa Ghosh and Arijit Dey.
Name of the case: Dr. Sima Banerjee vs Dr. Barnali Chattopadhyay
Bench: Justice Shampa Dutt (Paul)