Unacademy controversy: Who is Karan Sangwan, the fired educator?

New Delhi: E-learning giant Unacademy is currently facing a storm of criticism on social media platforms after dismissing an educator who advocated for choosing educated candidates in elections. 

What Sparked the Controversy?

Karan Sangwan found himself at the center of a viral storm after expressing his dismay over the replacement of colonial-era laws like the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act. Sangwan, in a widely circulated video on X (formerly Twitter), remarked on the sudden obsolescence of his notes and materials related to criminal laws due to the changes.

He stated, “Even I don’t know whether to laugh or cry because I also have a lot of bare acts, caseloads, and notes that I had prepared. It is hard work for everyone. You also got a job at your hand. But keep in mind one thing. Next time vote for someone who is well-educated so you don’t have to go through this ordeal again. Elect someone who is educated, who understands things. Don’t elect someone who only knows changing names. Make your decision properly.”

.@unacademy forced a faculty to step down because he asked the students to vote for an educated leader.

How weird things can get in India under Narendra Modi #UninstallUnacademy pic.twitter.com/AYyt16alIC

— Kapil (@kapsology) August 17, 2023

Political Propaganda Allegations and Unacademy’s Response

Sangwan’s comments were interpreted by some social media users as veiled political propaganda masquerading as educational discourse. A section of users with affiliations to the ruling BJP even accused Unacademy of promoting an “anti-Modi agenda.”

In response, Unacademy’s co-founder Roman Saini asserted that Sangwan’s statements violated the platform’s ‘Code of Conduct,’ leading to the educator’s dismissal. Saini emphasized, “Our learners are at the center of everything we do. The classroom is not a place to share personal opinions and views, as they can wrongly influence them. In the current situation, we were forced to part ways with Karan Sangwan as he was in breach of the Code of Conduct.”

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal even joined the fray, questioning whether encouraging people to vote for educated individuals can be deemed a crime.

क्या पढ़े लिखे लोगों को वोट देने की अपील करना अपराध है? यदि कोई अनपढ़ है, व्यक्तिगत तौर पर मैं उसका सम्मान करता हूँ। लेकिन जनप्रतिनिधि अनपढ़ नहीं हो सकते। ये साइंस और टेक्नोलॉजी का ज़माना है। 21वीं सदी के आधुनिक भारत का निर्माण अनपढ़ जनप्रतिनिधि कभी नहीं कर सकते। https://t.co/YPX4OCoRoZ

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 17, 2023

Unveiling Karan Sangwan’s Profile

Karan Sangwan’s background reveals that he studied at the National Law University, Shimla. He contributed as a faculty member at C. R. Law College, Hisar, for approximately a year. Sangwan’s association with Unacademy dates back to February 2020, when he began serving as an educator. His presence on the platform garnered a following of 14,000 learners.

Notably, Sangwan also operates a YouTube channel called Legal Pathshala, which boasts over 45,000 subscribers. His academic achievements include an LL.M in Criminal Laws, and he has played a pivotal role in guiding students preparing for judiciary entrance exams by offering a range of relevant courses.