Principal Valson Thampu had last week banned the student-run website for not seeking his clearance on the content before publishing and had appointed a one-man disciplinary committee to look into the matter.
Quraishi, an alumnus of the college, has written to Thampu asking him to reconsider his move. "My four decades of experience tells me that this action has an enormous potential to recoil and will, therefore, be unsustainable on two counts, free speech and humour, the abiding identities of our college.
"The e-mag was started with your approval and blessings. You had given them an interview, which shows your overt support. They were expected to show you a transcript. They did send you a transcript. After waiting for some time, they went ahead and published it despite your clear instruction to get the transcript cleared.
"This was certainly a mistake that should have been avoided. But it appears that their intentions were not mala fide - just youthful enthusiasm and keenness to meet the deadline, which is understandable," he further noted.
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"It has the potential of causing incalculable harm if not resolved satisfactorily immediately. As you (Quraishi) have analysed it is a case of overkill which is unacceptable when pitted against (the) fundamental right of free speech and expression.
"I am copying this to Thampu with a request to reconsider his decision by talking to students who hopefully would be willing to abide by a functionable procedure compatible with college ethos," Sarin said in his response to the email.
The Association of Old Stephanians slammed the move and had written to noted alumni including Quraishi and politicians Shashi Tharoor and Mani Shankar Aiyar.