In a contentious development from Belagavi, Rani Channamma University (RCU) has formally instructed a PhD scholar to settle outstanding fees to receive her hard-earned convocation certificate. The scholar, however, has firmly rejected the university's directive, labeling the process as 'unceremonious' following a traumatic period that included a harassment complaint against her guide and a subsequent suicide attempt.
The University's Directive and Scholar's Defiance
On December 16, the university dispatched a letter to PhD scholar Sujata Pol. The communication directed her to pay the prescribed fee via the official student portal before the deadline of December 31 to obtain her PhD convocation certificate. This formal demand marks the latest chapter in a prolonged and distressing conflict between the scholar and the university administration.
Sujata Pol, who currently serves as the principal of a private college in Chikodi taluk, has refused to accept the certificate under these terms. Her refusal stems from the manner in which the certificate was withheld earlier and the circumstances surrounding its eventual release.
A History of Conflict and a Harassment Complaint
The roots of this dispute trace back to an earlier incident where Sujata filed a formal harassment complaint against her PhD guide, KLN Murthy. In response to her complaint, the university initially withheld her convocation certificate. Although Sujata later withdrew the complaint, the university reportedly issued her a notice demanding an explanation for why her certificate should not be permanently withheld and why legal action should not be initiated against her.
The immense pressure and frustration from this situation took a severe toll on Sujata's mental health. Approximately three weeks ago, she attempted to end her life by consuming sleeping pills. She was rushed to a hospital and survived the ordeal.
Compromise and Aftermath
After her recovery, Sujata provided clarity on why she withdrew her complaint. She stated that university officials, including Vice-Chancellor Prof CM Thyagaraja and Registrar Santosh Kamagouda, intervened to facilitate a compromise. According to her, her guide, KLN Murthy, apologized and requested her to withdraw the complaint.
Sujata agreed to this compromise because the university had already suspended Murthy for a period of six months, which she considered adequate punishment at the time. Despite this resolution, the recent fee demand for the certificate has reopened old wounds, leading to her current stance of refusal.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about grievance redressal mechanisms and the treatment of scholars within the higher education system. It raises critical questions about institutional responsibility following serious allegations and the procedural hurdles students can face even after official disputes are settled.
