TIRUCHY: An assistant professor, who is from a Scheduled Caste community, has sought the intervention of state higher education department stating the Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM) has not reinstated him despite an order issued by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on August 4. The director of the institution said they are exploring options to appeal against the order in Supreme Court within the stipulated period of 90 days.
Dr CNS Ramnath Babu, an alumnus, joined the BIM in April 2021 as assistant professor in marketing department. On completion of probation period, he was terminated by the director Asit K Barma in July 2023 without issuing notice. Dr Babu challenged it in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, which stayed the termination and later quashed it in November 2023.
BIM obtained a stay that prolonged the dispute until August 2025, when a division bench dismissed the appeal and upheld his reinstatement. The judges held that while probationers could be discharged for poor performance, punitive or stigmatic termination required an inquiry. On August 24, Boiler Plant police booked Asit K Barma under the SC/ST Act.
“Since July 2023, I am in this legal battle, just to prove I am an able teacher and scholar. Every day is a struggle to uphold my self-respect without earning,” he told TNIE.
Dr Babu, who earlier headed the SC/ST Committee at BIM, alleged that reservation norm is not followed in the institution in faculty recruitment. “I am not looking for another job because this fight is for justice and dignity. I want what I rightfully deserve,” he said.
When contacted, Barma said the institution respects the high court but had the right to move SC within 90 days. “Reservation norms are not applicable in faculty recruitment or promotions in our institution. We follow merit-based selection as per our rules. At the same time, we are exploring legal remedies,” Barma said. Legal experts say unless BIM obtains a stay from the apex court, the HC order is binding, and non-compliance could invite contempt action.
Higher Education MinisterGovi Chezhian assured that the department would examine the matter and take action.