St Stephen's molestation row: Constitution amendments natural, necessary and lawful, says Thampu

New Delhi: The amendments in the 102-year-old constitution of St Stephen's college are "natural", "necessary" and in accordance with relevant provisions of law, principal Valson Thampu claimed on Tuesday and alleged that a section of vested interests are spreading misconceptions about the move.

Thampu claimed that the recent Governing Body meeting in which the amendments were approved had full quorum as he slammed teachers for questioning the quorum after deliberately and publicly "boycotting" the GB meeting.

He also clarified that the concerns about the college losing its affiliation from Delhi University and ultimately the funding from the University Grants Commission (UGC), are part of a "false propaganda".

"The society of St Stephen's College is amending its Constitution which is a natural, necessary and in accordance with all relevant provisions of law. The amendments have been necessitated due to changes in law, the enormous transformation in education and the need to reach out to those in need," he said in a press statement.

"The Governing Body (GB) meeting on November 30 met quorum requirements. The rumour spread that 8 members boycotted the meeting is false and malicious. The GB currently comprises 15 members. Of the 15, 10 members attended, which is two-thirds. It does not have to be emphasized that non-members cannot boycott meetings!," he added.

Thampu said that while Delhi University provides for only two teacher representatives by rotation based on seniority, the college had provided for two additional elected teacher representatives.

He alleged that when college notified for these two positions for elected teacher representatives not even a single teacher filed nomination.