Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Feb 5: It is learnt that the principal of the University College here has served a notice to English lecturer Pattabhiram Somayaji, against certain controversial actions of whom, the students had registered their protest, alleging that he has derided Hindu religion in the interviews given to the media in the college premises.

The notice was issued, based on the complaint made by the College Students Union representatives against the said lecturer, on Wednesday February 4. It is learnt that Somayaji has been given three days time to reply to the notice. The notice seeks explanation from Somayaji on his action in speaking to the media inside the college campus on January 28 without obtaining prior written permission from the concerned, giving statements to newspapers and delivering provocative speeches in the name of freedom of speech and expression.

The principal, it is gathered, has also sought reasons from the lecturer, for making a statement to the media that his life was in danger and that he had asked the principal to provide him security, although no such request was ever made to the principal.