Conversion issue: St Stephen's admin officer suspended again

New Delhi, Dec 20: An administrative officer of St Stephen's college whose suspension was revoked by the Principal was today again suspended by the institution's Governing Body (GB).

The officer, Subhash Kumar Dash, was suspended last week by St Stephen's Principal Valson Thampu for engaging in "gross misconduct" and sending derogatory and defamatory SMSes to the administration and to the college community under the influence of alcohol.

Dash had moved Delhi High Court challenging the earlier suspension order and accusing Thampu of trying to convert him to Christianity. He had also sought an injunction against any action by the GB. But High Court yesterday dismissed the plea after Thampu revoked the suspension on Wednesday.

"The GB decided to suspend Dash again and has proposed an independent inquiry into the matter which will be constituted by the chairman. The committee formed will not have any of the governing body members," a GB member said on condition of anonymity.

The meeting today was attended by 12 of the 18 GB members. While the principal recused himself from the meeting, Dash was not summoned.

Dash, however, said he has not received any communication regarding him the fresh suspension order.

"I was on duty today but I wasn't summoned before the GB. I haven't been communicated anything about the suspension order. I will decide the future course of action after I am informed about the GB's decision," he said.

PTI