Sheejith Krishna – Accused of Sexual Harassment While Working as a Dance Professor at Chennai Academy

Several former students have accused Sheejith Krishna of sexually harassing them between 1996 and 2001. Mr. Krishna’s team has not yet addressed these allegations. The former students, who have since settled abroad, took their case to the Madras High Court, claiming that Mr. Krishna had sexually harassed them during their time on campus.

In response to their complaint, the court directed the Chennai Police Commissioner to take action. Confirming his arrest, a senior police officer told NDTV that “The former students allege Sheejith used them.” The situation at the Kalakshetra Foundation has also been troubled by allegations of sexual harassment.

Professor Hari Padman was terminated last year after an inquiry committee found him guilty of sexual harassment. He was subsequently arrested. Many students then rallied, claiming that they too had experienced sexual harassment by faculty and repertory artists.

They felt that the administration had not responded adequately to their complaints. These concerns were initially dismissed by the management and the National Commission for Women, until the matter was brought before the court. Approximately a hundred students, both male and female, submitted written complaints to the state women’s commission.

An independent committee has issued a set of recommendations, which the Madras High Court has urged the institution to implement. They viewed the failure to address these issues as a “blight on Kalakshetra.” The suggestions include prohibiting students from entering teachers’ quarters except during community celebrations, banning the engagement of repertory artists, reducing the emphasis on performance, and emphasizing deep learning and the refinement of artistic forms.