Dr. Shaija Andavan, a professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology-Calicut (NIT-C), who was previously embroiled in controversy over a social media post praising Gandhi’s assassin Nathuram Godse, has been appointed as the Dean of Planning and Development at the institute.
The decision has sparked sharp criticism, with allegations that seniority norms were overlooked in the appointment process.
According to an official order from the NIT-C Director, approved by the registrar, Shaija Andavan will assume her new role on March 7 for an initial term of two years. She will be replacing Dr. Priya Chandran, a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, whose term as Dean (Planning and Development) is coming to an end.
The controversy surrounding Andavan erupted on 20 January, 2024, when she posted a comment on Facebook stating, “Proud of Godse for saving India.” The comment was in response to an image of Godse shared by Hindutva advocate Krishna Raj. The post, made on Martyrs’ Day, which marks Gandhi’s assassination, led to widespread outrage and criticism from various quarters.
Following complaints from multiple organizations, including the Muslim Students’ Federation (MSF), the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and the Indian Youth Congress, the Kunnamangalam police registered a case against Andavan under Section 153 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot.
She was questioned at her residence in Chathamangalam and later at the Kunnamangalam police station. On 20 February, 2024, she was granted bail by the Kunnamangalam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court after appearing in person.
Her appointment has drawn strong opposition from sections of the faculty and student organizations, who allege that established seniority norms were bypassed. Some faculty members have questioned the process through which she was chosen, suggesting that her recent legal troubles and controversial past should have been taken into consideration before granting her a leadership role.
However, NIT-C authorities have dismissed these allegations, asserting that Andavan’s appointment as Dean was made following the statutes of the NIT Act. The institute clarified that Deans are appointed across six categories: Academic, Planning and Development, Students’ Welfare, Faculty Welfare, Research and Consultancy, and International, Alumni, and Corporate Relations.
Meanwhile, the District Congress Committee has demanded that the NIT-C director revoke Andavan’s appointment. Political and student groups have also announced plans for protests in the coming days, calling for the decision to be reconsidered in light of her controversial past.
