Editor,  
Recently in a major development the Supreme Court of India has quashed Section 66 (a) of the Information Technology Act with a view to protect personal opinions highlighted in social networks through the internet. This judgment has far reaching ramifications bearing in mind that a large number of people of this country, of all ages and gender, using social networking nowadays; more so when a person’s right to his/her opinion is now provided as enshrined in our Constitution.
On this subject, I would to bring to the attention of your esteemed readers about a  situation which happened recently in Pine Mount School, Shillong, a government school, where a Class VIII student was expelled because she put up a post on Facebook with regards to some teachers, though under anonymity, and branding them with silly names. The school administration, thereafter, deemed it fit to expel the student and to add more injury to such insult placed the colleagues of this expelled student under suspension for liking the post.
In such a case, should the expelled students not get relief since Section 66(A) has been struck down? The life of a  young teenager is shattered and even sadder is the fact that her family has to bear the brunt of  such drastic actions taken by the school administration. It is said that teachers are pillars of society and catalysts that mould the minds of students. But it is also true that there are deviant teachers just as there are wayward students. If a student has posted something adversarial against a teacher the least one would expect is that the school counsel the student and not take such a drastic action as expelling the girl. I would solicit the opinions of lawyers, judges and eminent people of the state on this issue. In fact this issue needs a larger debate.
Yours etc.,
Adrian Diengdoh
Shillong – 1

College in a mess!

Editor,
A ladies college located at Laitumkhrah is mired in controversy due to the malafide activities of its secretary. Of late the secretary is calling the shots, convening meetings and doing everything illegally without taking prior consent of the Trust that manages this institution. The secretary, a lecturer of Chemistry in a renowned missionary co-educational college, is supported by vested interests including the immediate former principal. There is an ulterior motive behind this attitude of the secretary. The former principal of the college who has joined another University as Controller of Examinations is providing “outside support” to the secretary since as a principal he knew much about this college. What intention can an outgoing principal have in the affairs of the college that he takes time out of his busy schedule is a valid question here.
The incumbent principal is ironically paid a salary that is lower than that of regular professors in the College. She was appointed to the post of officiating principal with special pay and entitlements etc., last year by the College’s Board of Trustees and Governing Body and it was agreed that she would discharge her duties until a new principal is appointed through due process or if she is confirmed by the same process. Meanwhile the acting principal is constantly insulted by the secretary and his cohorts who evidently are not there for the welfare of the college, rather its destruction. A particular office bearer of the Board of Trustees, a former VC of a Central University in Assam, is maintaining stoic silence on the matter whereas its President is not doing much to save the college. The act of the secretary is “anti-institutional” as he cannot “perform like the head of an institution in an illegal manner”. As luck would have it, the said secretary was appointed last year with much politicking by the outgoing principal.
The devotee of a philanthropic and charitable organization based in European Ward area of the city with which this secretary is also associated have now demanded his removal after they came to know his motive. They urged the monks of the organization, which is going to celebrate its centenary celebration next year, that such tainted people should not be allowed in.
Yours etc.,  
Name withheld on request

Turmoil in Research Premises

Editor,
Through your esteemed daily I would like to disclose an incident in the so called reputed Research Institute viz. ICAR, Umiam premises. Such incidents are never reported in order to protect the reputation of the institute. But I am compelled to write here as I am greatly agonized by the actions of a particular scientist who has brought shame to the scientist community as well as to research fraternity as a whole. On the night of March 15, 2015 this man was drunk and misbehaved with a lady who is working as a Temporary Skilled Mazdoor. He caught hold of her and entered her residence while her husband was away. Of course he was beaten black and blue by the neighbours when the lady raised an alarm. Police was also called to the spot and they arrested the person concerned but later released him the same night after some officials from ICAR intervened and compelled the warring parties to compromise for fear of the reputation of the Research Institute. My concern is why people like him should be left scot free and why law doesn’t take it’s course. We are aware of various acts against sexual harassment but in ICAR we fail to punish the offenders. While we respect the Constitution and hope that justice prevails there are many are victims who suffer silently. I suggest that an immediate enquiry be instituted into this incident. Let us not harbor molesters in the garb of scientists here.
Yours etc.
A concerned researcher