Kottayam:
There is some relief for lecturer TJ Joseph whose hand was cut off by radicals because of his comments on the Prophet Mohammed. Days after he was sacked by the Newman College for allegedly hurting religious sentiments, the University has called the action illegal. It says the college did not follow proper procedure.
The University's decision is binding on the Newman College Management. It can even take disciplinary action if the college does not fall in line.
The Newman College had also come under attack from the state govt. Speaking to NDTV, the Kerala Education Minister even described Joseph's attackers as terrorists, kicking up a storm.
"The action of the Newman college is excessive, irrational and I think they have been directly or indirectly intimidated by the atmosphere created by a group of misguided young terrorists," said MA Baby, Kerala's Education Minister.
Even Muslim leaders have come out in Joseph's support.
"Since he (lecturer) has apologised, attacking him mercilessly is against Indian culture and rule of law. People should desist from such actions," said KM Hasan Ashrafi, Chief Imam, Bima Mosque, Thiruvanathapuram.
With the government and now the University firmly behind him, Joseph hopes to get his job back.