Jadavpur University Clears Professor in Marking Scandal, Issues Caution to Colleague
Jadavpur University has concluded its investigation into allegations of academic misconduct involving two mass communication professors, delivering a mixed verdict that has stirred campus discussions. The university found "no substance" in the accusations against Professor Santwan Chattopadhyay, who was alleged to have awarded marks without properly checking answer scripts. However, in a contrasting decision, the institution cautioned assistant professor Abhishek Das, determining that similar allegations against him held "some substance."
Student Protests and Class Boycotts
The controversy emerged prominently when postgraduate students in the mass communication department initiated a boycott of classes taught by both Chattopadhyay and Das. Their protests were so impactful that they even forced the cancellation of guest faculty interviews, highlighting the depth of student discontent. The core of their grievance centered on claims that answer scripts from internal exams and a second-semester paper were not evaluated before marks were assigned.
Origins of the Allegations
The issue first came to light in 2024 when approximately 50 MA students in mass communication came forward with serious allegations. They asserted that their answer scripts for a second-semester paper had been awarded marks without any evaluation by assistant professor Abhishek Das. Additionally, they accused both Das and Professor Santwan Chattopadhyay of failing to check internal exam answer scripts while still assigning grades. "The batch that levelled the allegation has graduated," noted one teacher familiar with the situation. "But some are using it to hamper academic and administrative work."
University Responses and Official Statements
Following the investigation, Professor Chattopadhyay expressed relief at the outcome, stating, "The VC said the allegation against me was proved false." Meanwhile, university officials addressed the case against Abhishek Das with a formal caution. An official explained, "Das has been told to be careful and that any more aberration will invite action." When approached for comment, Das declined to elaborate, telling TOI he did not have anything to say. Attempts to reach Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee for additional comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls from the media outlet.
Broader Implications and Campus Climate
This incident has raised important questions about academic integrity and student-teacher relationships at one of India's prominent educational institutions. The university's decision to clear one professor while cautioning another demonstrates a nuanced approach to handling such sensitive allegations. It also underscores the ongoing tensions between student bodies and faculty members when trust in the evaluation process is compromised. The resolution of this case may set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in academic assessments.
