Kris Gopalakrishnan Named in SC/ST Case

Infosys Co-Founder Kris Gopalakrishnan and Former IISc Director Among 16 Named in SC/ST Atrocities Act Case

A serious legal case has come to light involving Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan and former Indian Institute of Science (IISc) director Padmanabhan Balaram, along with 14 other individuals. The case was filed under the Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act at Bengaluru’s Sadashiva Nagar Police Station. The complaint, registered on Monday, was initiated following directives from the 71st City Civil and Sessions Court (CCH), according to reports by PTI.

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Background of the Case

The complaint was lodged by Durgappa, a member of the tribal Bovi community and a former faculty member at the Centre for Sustainable Technology, IISc. In his complaint, Durgappa made two significant allegations:

1. False Implication in a Honey Trap Case:
   Durgappa claims that he was falsely accused of involvement in a honey trap case in 2014. He alleged that this accusation was fabricated as a means to tarnish his reputation and justify his removal from his faculty position.
2. Caste-Based Discrimination and Threats:
   He further alleged that during his tenure at IISc, he faced repeated caste-based abuse and threats. This, according to him, created a hostile work environment and ultimately led to his termination.

The allegations have raised serious concerns about workplace discrimination and institutional accountability.

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Who Are the Accused?

The list of accused individuals includes prominent names associated with IISc. Alongside Kris Gopalakrishnan and Padmanabhan Balaram, the following individuals have been named:

• Govindan Rangarajan
• Sridhar Warrier
• Sandya Vishwswaraih
• Hari K V S
• Dasappa
• Hemalata Mhishi
• Chattopadyaya K
• Pradeep D Sawkar
• Manoharan

As of now, none of the accused, including Kris Gopalakrishnan, who is a member of IISc’s Board of Trustees, have publicly commented on the matter.

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Who Is Kris Gopalakrishnan?

Kris Gopalakrishnan is a towering figure in the Indian IT industry. He is best known as one of the co-founders of Infosys, one of India’s largest and most successful IT services companies.

Professional Journey:

• Gopalakrishnan served as the CEO and managing director of Infosys from 2007 to 2011.
• He subsequently held the position of vice-chairman from 2011 to 2014.
• During his tenure, Infosys grew exponentially, cementing its position as a global IT powerhouse.

Roles Beyond Infosys:

• In 2013-14, he served as the president of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), a leading industry association in India.
• He also co-chaired the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2014, showcasing his global influence.

Academic Achievements:

Gopalakrishnan’s academic credentials are equally impressive.

• He holds master’s degrees in physics and computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras.
• He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineers (INAE).
• Additionally, he is an Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) of India.

Awards and Recognition:

In 2011, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award, for his outstanding contributions to the IT sector and India’s economic development.

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Implications of the Case

This case has brought attention to several critical issues:

1. Caste-Based Discrimination in Academia:
   The allegations of caste-based abuse highlight the persistent challenges faced by marginalized communities in academic and professional environments. If proven true, these claims could expose systemic inequalities and call for greater reforms in higher education institutions.
2. Institutional Accountability:
   The involvement of prominent figures such as Kris Gopalakrishnan and Padmanabhan Balaram raises questions about governance and accountability in elite institutions like IISc.
3. Legal and Reputational Consequences:
   For those accused, the legal proceedings and public scrutiny could have significant implications for their reputations and careers.

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What’s Next?

The case is in its initial stages, and further developments are expected as investigations proceed. Both the complainant’s claims and the responses of the accused will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of this high-profile case.

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Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of addressing caste-based discrimination and ensuring fair treatment for all, irrespective of their background. It also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in India’s academic and professional institutions.

As the legal process unfolds, the eyes of the nation will be on this case, waiting to see how justice is delivered in such a sensitive and high-stakes matter.