Have full faith in Thampu: St Stephen's Supreme Council

As the demand for St Stephen's principal Valson Thampu's resignation over an alleged molestation row grew shriller, the college's Supreme Council on Wednesday came out in his support saying it has "full faith" in his leadership.

The council which is the supreme <g data-gr-id="30">decision making</g> body of the college, passed a resolution saying it places on record its "full faith and confidence in the leadership of the present principal and affirm full support to him in the administration of the college".

Chairman of the college Reverend <g data-gr-id="35">Warris</g> K Masih, said, "At an emergent meeting of the Supreme Council, the issues facing the college in wake of alleged sexual harassment case involving one of the faculty members, were discussed. Members expressed their concern about attempts to denigrate the institution in the eye of public through false propaganda." 

<g data-gr-id="27">Thampu</g> is at the centre of controversy over a sexual harassment row which is rocking the college these days. A research scholar has alleged she was molested by an assistant professor and that the principal had tried to shield him. While <g data-gr-id="28">Thampu</g> has claimed that he is being "chased as an animal" over the issue despite doing his best in the capacity of principal, a section of students, teachers, alumni and several women rights organisations have been demanding his removal.

The resolution passed by the Supreme Council read, "There has been a motivated campaign against our reputed institution and its principal in the media at <g data-gr-id="26">instance</g> of some vested interests." 

"The media reports have <g data-gr-id="33">tendency</g> to surface around the dates of hearing of court against the college. This shows the motive behind the same. Even the reports about court proceedings concerning the college are unfair and inaccurate," it said.

"Since allegations made against the college would affect its reputation, we strongly regret the media trial and request the media to act objectively," the resolution added.