Sheejith Krishna: Accusations of Sexual Harassment During Time as Dance Professor at Chennai Academy

Several former students have alleged that Sheejith Krishna sexually harassed them between 1996 and 2001. They have accused him of misconduct while they were on campus during that period. Despite the allegations, Krishna’s team has not yet responded to the claims.

These former students, who are currently residing abroad, brought their allegations to the attention of the Madras High Court. In response, the court directed the Chennai Police Commissioner to take action on the complaint. A senior police officer confirmed the arrest, stating that the former students had accused Sheejith of exploiting them.

The issue of sexual harassment at the institution has gained attention before. In the past, the Kalakshetra Foundation dismissed professor Hari Padman after an inquiry found him guilty of sexual harassment, leading to his arrest. Following this, numerous students protested, claiming that faculty and repertory artists at the institution had also engaged in sexual harassment, and they felt that the administration had not taken proper action.

Initially, both the administration and the National Commission for Women denied the allegations of sexual harassment. However, as the matter reached the court, around a hundred students, including male students, submitted written complaints to the state women’s commission. An independent committee has provided a set of recommendations, which the Madras High Court has urged the institution to implement.

The court criticized the institution’s failure to address sexual harassment, calling it a “blight on Kalakshetra.” The recommended measures include banning students from entering teachers’ quarters except during community celebrations, as well as curtailing the engagement of repertory artists and emphasizing deep learning and art form refinement.