JNU Dismisses Professor Accused Of Sexually Harassing 11 Female Students

New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has dismissed a professor accused of sexual harassment following an investigation. Eleven female students of the university had leveled serious allegations of sexual harassment against the professor. The students filed a complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee. The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) also took suo motu cognizance of the matter. The DCW also requested a report from the JNU administration.

Jawaharlal Nehru University has dismissed a professor based on an internal committee's investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, according to an order issued by JNU. The professor, who was at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems in the School of Social Sciences, has been removed from his job with immediate effect.

The order, signed by Vice-Chancellor Shantishree D. Pandit, stated that an internal committee investigated allegations of sexual harassment against the professor. Based on the findings of its investigation, the committee recommended a severe penalty. It should be noted that the university administration, following due process, considers all available facts and imposes the penalty of dismissal from service based on the internal committee's report.

The order cited Rule 11(ix) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, along with the service rules, in imposing the punishment. The matter has been a topic of constant discussion. Last month, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) also sought a report from JNU on the action taken by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on the sexual harassment complaints filed by 11 female students against the professor.

According to a Hindustan Times report, a complaint was filed in May of this year, following which the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) initiated action. According to the source, the allegations relate to a viva (oral examination) held in the first week of May, when the accused professor allegedly made inappropriate remarks related to sexual harassment. In the second week of May, a student shared her ordeal in a WhatsApp group, which was followed by several others making similar allegations.

The source stated that the accused professor made statements that suggested he would award students additional marks if they complied with his sexual advances. The source further stated that a complaint was filed with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) later that month. Subsequently, several students were summoned to testify. Now, the JNU administration has taken action to dismiss the accused professor.