FTII director Bhupendra Kainthola, in reply to a petition by suspended faculty member Indranil Bhattacharya, opposed relief against the suspension as inquiry is still pending. Bhattacharya had recently approached the Bombay high court to challenge his suspension by the director on 19th July on disciplinary grounds. He had sought an interim stay on the “vindictive action” after he had complained to the Central Vigilance Commission of the Film and Television Institute of India. The FTII told the court that Indranil Bhattacharya should have approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and not the high court.
In his affidavit, Kainthola said, Bhattacharya “must face consequences of his acts of misconduct, as per procedure.” The court has given Bhattacharya time for a rejoinder. The matter has been posted for further hearing on 29th August.