In memory of Manjunath, IIML students pledge for integrity

LUCKNOW: A candle-light march was organised at Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM-L) campus in memory of

Manjunath Shanmugam

, who was killed while fighting against corruption on November 19, 2005. A bright alumnus of IIM-L, Manjunath was a manager with the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) posted in Lakhimpur, where he was shot dead by a petrol pump owner and his henchmen, when he objected to adulteration of oil.

The march, organised by the Manjunath Shanmugam Trust, was not only restricted to the IIM-L but spread across the various B-schools across India, including IIMs of Kozhikode, Bodhgaya, Ranchi, Rohtak, Vizag, Shillong, Kashipur; Indus Business Academy, Bangalore among others. It was followed by a pledge, `I commit to lead a life of integrity’ taken by the students.

The Manjunath Shanmugam Trust (MST) — an initiative of business school alumni across the world who has joined hands to improve governance in Indian public life — fought the case relentlessly. After a record nine-month trial, all eight accused were found guilty, with the main accused given the death sentence and the remaining life imprisonment.

The accused appealed in the Allahabad High Court. The Lucknow bench of the

Allahabad high Court

upheld the conviction and life imprisonment of the six main accused - including the petrol pump owner. This judgment, said students was a big victory for the people of India and for all those who believe in the rule of law. The convicts had appealed against the verdict in the Supreme Court. On March 11, 2015, the Supreme Court upheld the verdict given by high court making it a historic win for the students.

India’s first national RTI Act helpline was set up by MST in association with a noted NGO on November 19, 2006 to mark the first death anniversary of Manjunath.