STAFF REPORTER
Guwahati, Sep 8: On charge of plagiarism, Dr. Jyotirmoy Jana, former Associate Professor, Nowgong Girls' College, filed a case in Nagaon Police station against Dr. Prafulla Kumar Nath, an Associate Professor, Department of Assamese, Gauhati University. As per his claim, Dr. Jana discovered an old Assamese drama - 'Bongal-Bongaloni' by Rudraram Bordoloi (1871). Dr, Jana compiled and republished the book in 2014. The book was accepted by Gauhati University in 2016 for the second semester in the Master Degree course in the department of Assamese. Significantly, Dr. Prafulla Kumar Nath, Associate Professor, Assamese Department, Gauhati University in association with Bookland Publication and Aditya Publication published the same book (edited) in his own name in 2017. Claiming it an offence, Dr. Jana filed a case against Dr. P.K. Nath and circulated the news in most of the newspapers and other social media platforms. The Reveal met Dr. Nath to know his reaction regarding the matter. Dr. Nath clarared that he had edited the 'Bongal-Bongaloni' (1871) by Rudraram Bordoloi namely “Bongal-Bongaloni Natok” (2017) where he clearly acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Jyotirmoy Jana. Moreover in the preface of the book Dr. Nath also mentioned the citation and reference of Dr. Jana’s book. Dr. Jana’s complaint is not valid as this book is not composed or created by himself. Moreover the original book 'Bongal-Bongaloni' by Rudraram Bordoloi, had crossed the validity to claim copyright. Dr. Nath also stated that “on June 4, 1957 an act to amend and consolidate the law relating to copyright was implemented in India. Works published after 1923, but before 1978 are protected for 95 years from the date of publication. If the work was created, but not published, before 1978, the copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. For works published after 1977, the copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. Works created before 1978, the copyright duration rules are complicated.” “I am not violating any copyright law by any means. Dr. Jana was influenced by a third party and intentionally tried to pull down my reputation and social status’’ - he added. Dr. P.K. Nath also urged Dr. Jyotirmoy Jana to withdraw the case regarding this false allegation on him and come to an amicable settlement, otherwise legal action will be taken for such a false allegation against him.
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