Ahmedabad: A senior professor at Gujarat Arts and Science College lodged a formal complaint against the college principal, alleging sustained mental harassment, administrative bias and abuse of authority, triggering a controversy.Professor K D Parikh, who served in the science faculty for over 33 years, has submitted a detailed representation to multiple authorities, including the higher education department and the chief minister, seeking action against the principal. In his complaint, Parikh alleged that he was subjected to continuous harassment and discrimination. He added that he possessed evidence to substantiate his claims.Parikh, who was recently granted a US Green Card under the EB-1A category for individuals with extraordinary ability, alleged that he faced repeated obstacles while obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for his visit to the United States. According to the complaint, the principal initially issued certificates raising objections over pending inquiries and discrepancies in records, but later withdrew them.The professor further alleged that despite applying well in advance, he was denied an experience certificate required for his US visa interview, forcing him to submit alternative documents to complete the process.After returning from the US, Parikh claimed that the college refused to recognise his attendance and deliberately sidelined him from academic responsibilities. He alleged that he was publicly humiliated, stripped of departmental duties and made to work under junior staff members.The complaint also accused the principal of obstructing his academic growth by denying him opportunities to present research papers at international conferences and restricting other professional activities.Parikh urged the state govt and higher education authorities to conduct an impartial inquiry into the allegations and take appropriate action.The controversy has also revived scrutiny of the principal’s tenure, as similar complaints alleging administrative irregularities and harassment of staff were raised earlier, leading to departmental inquiries.The college administration did not issue an official response to the allegations at the time of filing the report.
