JNU University: Allegations of sexual harassment against a professor surfaced following a WhatsApp conversation among Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students after a viva examination in May. Eleven students approached the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), accusing the professor of misconduct, making sexually suggestive remarks, and offering higher marks in exchange for sexual favours.
Subsequently, the ICC initiated proceedings and asked the students to appear before the committee to record their statements.
According to reports, the allegations gained momentum after a female student shared her experience in a student WhatsApp group following the viva exam held in the first week of May. Sources indicated that upon hearing her account, other students shared similar experiences.
Sources stated that the professor made sexually suggestive remarks during the viva and hinted that students could secure higher marks if they acceded to his inappropriate demands. “The students say these incidents came to light when a female student recounted her experience during the viva.
Following this, other students reported similar incidents. There is also an allegation that the professor linked the award of extra marks to whether students would accept his inappropriate demands,” a source familiar with the matter told NDTV.
Students have also alleged that the professor invited them to parties at his residence on the JNU University campus, where he reportedly engaged in sexually inappropriate behaviour.
The allegations are not limited to the viva examination alone. Students have also alleged that the professor invited them to parties at his residence on the JNU University campus, where he reportedly engaged in sexually inappropriate behaviour. Some complaints also accuse him of making obscene or inappropriate remarks during class.
Shortly after the complaints were filed, the university went into a semester break lasting approximately 45 days. A source stated that when students returned and classes resumed in July, the issue once again became a topic of discussion on campus.
Subsequently, following another complaint against the professor, more students, including seniors, came forward with similar allegations. The ICC has declined to comment on the matter, stating that the complaint is an internal issue currently under investigation. The JNU University administration has also not commented on these allegations. This development comes after JNU University took action in another sexual harassment case involving a senior faculty member.
Last April, the university’s Executive Council dismissed four employees, including a faculty member accused of sexual harassment, in separate cases.
At the time, an official familiar with the matter indicated that a senior professor from the School of International Studies had been dismissed due to allegations involving a Japanese official from the Japanese Embassy.
Also Read: AICTE Launches ₹245 Crore Doctoral Fellowship Program to Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship
