Mumbai: In a major verdict, a special court in Mumbai has held Principal Ravindran N. Karthadi and Chairman M. I. Damodaran of Shri Narayan Guru College guilty of continuously humiliating librarian Anant Piraji Kadam (from a backward community).
Both have been convicted under Section 504 read with Section 34 of the IPC (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and fined ₹10,000 each. If the fine is not paid, they will be required to undergo one month of simple imprisonment.
The incident dates back to 2011–12. Librarian Anant Kadam had raised concerns about corruption in the college, after which the Principal and Chairman repeatedly insulted, mocked, threatened, and even attempted to remove him from his job — all of which were established in court.
Professor Jayashree Venkatachalam was acquitted due to a lack of evidence. Charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act could not be proved.
After a 13-year-long legal battle, Anant Kadam has finally received partial justice. This verdict stands as a significant moment in the fight against harassment and discrimination faced by backwards community employees in educational institutions.
