The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta has permitted a student accused in a rape case and currently out on bail to resume attending classes. According to The Hindu, the decision has sparked a flurry of reactions from various student and civil society groups, raising questions over institutional responsibility and student safety.
The student, enrolled in the prestigious postgraduate program, was granted bail recently by a Kolkata court. IIM Calcutta’s administration stated that the decision to allow him back was made after “careful legal consideration,” emphasizing that bail is a constitutional right and the accused is “presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
However, several students have voiced concerns, saying the administration’s decision lacks sensitivity toward the complainant and other students who may feel unsafe. According to internal sources, the complainant is also a student at IIM Calcutta, making the situation even more complex.
The institute has reportedly put in place certain safeguards, including class scheduling to avoid interaction between the accused and the complainant, and offering counseling services. Still, student groups argue that such steps may be inadequate and could create a hostile environment for survivors.
Women’s rights activists and legal experts have also weighed in, highlighting the dilemma faced by educational institutions in balancing legal fairness with moral accountability and campus safety. While the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is fundamental, critics argue that institutions should also factor in the psychological well-being of all students when making such decisions.
The case has reignited a broader debate on how premier academic institutions handle cases involving sexual violence, with calls for clearer guidelines, survivor-centric policies, and more transparent decision-making.
As of now, both the accused and the complainant remain enrolled at IIM Calcutta, and the case is under judicial consideration.
Photo Source: The Hindu
