Chennai, August 20: Days after his observation created widespread controversy, Madras High Court judge Justice S Vaidyanathan on Tuesday withdrew his objectionable comment against Christian educational institutes. Justice S Vaidyanathan had said that co-eduction in Christian schools is getting "highly unsafe" and had mentioned "accusations of conversion." The judge had made the observation while hearing a petition to quash a sexual harassment inquiry against a member of faculty at the Madras Christian College (MCC).

The comment was widely criticised by Christian organisations and the Tamil Nadu Bishops Council. Various organisations and entities had expressed their displeasure at the observation made by the judge. Transwoman is Also a Bride Under Hindu Marriage Act: Madras High Court.

“There is a general feeling among parents of students, especially female students, that co-educational study in Christian institutions is highly unsafe for the future of their children,” Justice Vaidyanathan had said in his order dismissing the plea of Assistant Professor Samuel Tennyson. Madras High Court Says Government Is Also Responsible for Alcohol-Related Offences.

“In the present era, there are several accusations against them for indulging in compulsory conversion of people of other religions into Christianity… Though they impart good education, their preaching of morality will be a million dollar question,” Justice Vaidyanathan had added.

Tennyson, an assistant professor, is facing sexual harassment charges from at least 34 girl students pursuing third-year Zoology course at the Madras Christian College. The judge said he was withdrawing para 32 of the order, taking back the observation, reported news agency PTI.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2019 11:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).