A Decade of Injustice Ends: Kerala Professor Vindicated After False Sexual Harassment Accusation

In a powerful testament to perseverance and the relentless pursuit of truth, a guest lecturer from Kerala, identified as Nishad, has finally seen justice prevail after a harrowing decade-long battle against false sexual harassment charges. His full acquittal by the Kerala High Court marks the end of a protracted legal and professional nightmare that stripped him of his career, reputation, and peace of mind.

The ordeal began in 2013 when Nishad, then a valued lecturer at the Calicut University B.Ed.

Centre in Kakkad, was accused by a student of sexual harassment. The allegations led to immediate and drastic repercussions: he was summarily suspended from his position, faced criminal proceedings under grave sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC 354 and 509), and became subject to an arduous departmental inquiry.

The weight of these accusations cast a long, dark shadow over his life, impacting not just him but also his family.

Despite the initial accusations and the subsequent societal stigma, Nishad maintained his innocence, embarking on a determined fight to clear his name. His first significant victory came in 2017 when the Judicial First Class Magistrate, Kunnamangalam, acquitted him of all charges.

The court's decision was based on a critical lack of evidence and the inconsistencies observed in the complainant's statements, unequivocally stating that the charges could not be substantiated.

However, even with the magistrate’s acquittal, his struggle was far from over. Calicut University, demonstrating a concerning lack of empathy or adherence to judicial findings, refused to reinstate him.

Instead, they proceeded to dismiss him from service, effectively prolonging his professional purgatory and deepening his despair. This unjustifiable stance compelled Nishad to continue his fight, leading him to appeal to the higher echelons of the judiciary.

The Kerala High Court, after meticulously reviewing the entire case, delivered the final and decisive verdict, affirming his complete acquittal.

Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan, while delivering the judgment, sternly criticised the University's actions. The High Court found that there was absolutely no evidence to support the sexual harassment allegations, and consequently, no basis whatsoever for the University's decision to pursue disciplinary action or dismiss him.

The court's ruling underscored the glaring flaws in the university's internal processes and their failure to respect judicial pronouncements.

Nishad's decade-long journey highlights the profound and devastating impact false accusations can have on an individual's life. He lost his livelihood, faced immense public humiliation, and endured an emotional and financial toll that few can comprehend.

Yet, his unwavering resolve to prove his innocence ultimately triumphed. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of due process, thorough investigation, and the irreversible damage caused when accusations are treated as convictions without conclusive proof. Nishad's vindication is not just a personal victory but a crucial message about justice, truth, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.