LETTER OF PROTEST

Trikone and allies condemn the suspension of Aligarh Muslim University Professor Dr. Siras, following an illegal sting operation that destroyed his right to privacy in his own home

Please sign our petition to stand up for Dr. Siras and justice

Aligarh, India -- On Monday, February 8, 2010, three reporters illegally and immorally invaded the home of Dr. S. Ramachandra Siras, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Chairman of Modern Indian Languages and distinguished professor.  The intruding reporters allegedly threatened to take pictures and tape him having legal, adult consensual sex with another man and subjected the professor to severe humiliation by forcing him to remain undressed, taking pictures and threatening to release the pictures and tape to the public.  A university spokesman initially conceded that the reporters were paid to overrun Dr. Siras’ home, which is on AMU private property, but later denied their connection to the intruders.  AMU leadership immediately suspended Dr. Siras for his private and legal choices, unjustly charging him with “gross misconduct’.  In stark contrast, the administration has displayed no concern about the appalling privacy violation of one of their most respected professors.  Apparently, protecting their community is not a priority for AMU's current leadership. 

The violation of Dr. Siras’ privacy was the only crime committed on February 8, 2010.  That violation and his subsequent public humiliation were the only acts of “gross misconduct” perpetrated that night and after.  The reporters and their cowardly anonymous sponsors are the only criminals here.   Dr. Siras has done nothing wrong or illegal.  AMU Vice Chancellor, Dr. P. K. Abdul Aziz, and other staff leaders know that the Delhi High Court’s recent and clear ruling decriminalizing homosexuality protects Dr. Siras and all Indians from exactly such persecution.   They also know the law is equally unambiguous when it prohibits the invasion of privacy that has crippled Dr. Siras’ career months before his retirement.

AMU is one of India’s most respected universities, built on laudable principles of freedom of speech and expression.  It should not even tolerate homophobia among its ranks, let alone support it by suspending Dr. Siras. It should condemn the violation and humiliation of its community members, rather than looking the other way.  It should protect its community from hate.  In light of AMU's proud history of defending the freedoms of its affiliates, the current administration's actions are particularly shameful. 

We, members and allies of Trikone, proud Indians as well as citizens from all over the world and every religion appeal to the University Grant Commission to intervene in this matter, and we strongly urge Dr. P. K. Abdul Aziz and the rest of AMU leadership to reinstate Dr. Siras, dismiss their unjust charge of his alleged “gross misconduct”, and instead focus their energy where it belongs: in protecting their community.  We implore AMU to investigate charges that the University’s members sponsored the reporters, and start legal proceedings against any found guilty.

We urge AMU to stand with Dr. Siras and justice, rather than fear and hate.