THOOTHUKUDI : Tension prevailed for a while at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University College, also called Mano College, in Nagalapuram near Vilathikulam on Wednesday, when a married couple pursuing bachelor’s degree at the college staged a sit-in protest, along with their child, demanding action against the principal for not allowing them to attend classes.
Though the college administration and police held talks with the couple, identified as Karukuvalaiyan (23) of Iyanbommayapuram near Vilathikulam and his wife Karpagam (21) of Vilathikulam, they remained adamant on their demand that the principal acted with a vengeance against them so tahsildar should take action against the principal. Only after Vilathikulam deputy tahsildar Manikandan held talks with the couple and the university authorities and assured action against the principal after a probe within 15 days did the couple call off the protest.
Speaking to Express, Karukuvalaiyan claimed that he had married Karpagam in September 2013 and she delivered the child in July 2014. The principal had suspended them during their marriage. Since Karpagam delivered the baby, she could attend the fifth semester.
Kannan, cousin of Karpagam, who is also studying at the college, joined the couple in their protest and their parents were waiting outside the college.
Suresh Pandi, district secretary of the Students Federation of India (SFI), said that the couple was determined to continue their studies, but the principal had been constantly harassing the couple.
He also demanded the university to probe the matter and take action against the principal.
Justifying his action, P Chandrasekar, principal of the college, blamed Karukuvalaiyan for the entire incident.