CM orders withdrawal of suspension against school principal over Facebook post

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V D Satheesan has directed authorities to withdraw the suspension of a school principal who was suspended over a Facebook post allegedly insulting him. The suspended principal, S Jawad, serves at Attingal Model Higher Secondary School. The Director of General Education had suspended him a few days ago, alleging that he had attempted to create political polarisation among students and teachers.

Neither the Chief Minister nor his office had filed a complaint in the matter. A case was registered based on a complaint filed by a Youth Congress leader. The charge against the principal was that he had insulted the Chief Minister through a social media post. Jawad had reportedly shared a Facebook post containing an edited image that combined the Chief Minister's face with the body of a naked man. Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Minister said the post appeared to be malicious and an attempt to misuse social media. He also stated that strict action should be taken against such acts, regardless of who the target is.

However, the principal had only two days left before retirement when the suspension order was issued. Taking this circumstance into account, the Chief Minister directed that the suspension be withdrawn.