Kochi: A controversy erupted at a Private Medical College, run by a minority community after a circular issued by the medical superintendent mentioned the compulsory recitation of religious scripture. Meanwhile, the circular was later withdrawn by the medical college administration after meeting severe backlash.

According to a recent report by TOI, the Chief Medical Superintendent at Azeezia Medical College Hospital, Kollam; issued a circular which stated that in all major events only Quran and no other prayer should be recited.

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The circular was issued on April 18 which stated that "All major events ...should have a prayer session, to begin with, by a recitation from the holy Quran and no other prayer song should substitute this in this institution."

The major events include convocation, induction, ceremony, major meetings incorporating staffs, students and parents, in the medical college and other Azeezia institutions.

The circular added that it was as per the privileges permitted to minority institutions.

The circular further mentioned that ‘the decision is implemented with immediate effect after having received a consensus from the governing council and administrative team’.

However, the order was later withdrawn. It has been reported that on the very next day, another order was issued, but this time by the top administration that mentioned that the earlier circular has been withdrawn as the decision was implemented without the approval of the chairman of the Azeezia Group of Medical Institutions.

The Director of Azeezia Group of Medical Institutions, Dr Hashim Azeez informed TOI, "The circular was issued without the concurrence of the management. Right from the start of the institution in 2002, we have offered silent prayers. That will continue."

Noting the unsound decision, the medical college authorities removed the Medical Superintendent from his post.

Dr Azeez stated that the circular was "unfortunate and we have cancelled it. We have also removed the medical superintendent from the post".

"Our chairman is involved in the activities of all the communities and he is also upset with it," he further added.

The Secretary of the State Medical Association told the daily, "We will strongly oppose any such move. People have the right to follow their faith and it can't be imposed on others".