Sexual Harassment – Delhi University Orders Compulsory Retirement of Political Science Professor
Sexual Harassment – Delhi University has taken disciplinary action against a faculty member from its Department of Political Science after the university’s Executive Council approved the recommendation of the Internal Complaints Committee in a sexual harassment matter. The decision resulted in the professor being compulsorily retired following the completion of the inquiry process.
Executive Council Approves Disciplinary Action
University officials confirmed on Friday that the Executive Council cleared the recommendation during its meeting held on Thursday. The action follows the findings of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which investigated allegations related to the case.
According to an official familiar with the matter, the complaint involved allegations that a PhD scholar had been subjected to sexual harassment by the faculty member. After examining the evidence and completing its investigation, the committee recommended compulsory retirement as the appropriate disciplinary measure. The Executive Council accepted the recommendation, leading to the implementation of the penalty.
Complaint Investigated Through Institutional Process
Officials said the complaint was originally filed more than a year ago. However, the matter was formally taken up this year, after which the Internal Complaints Committee carried out a detailed inquiry in accordance with the university’s established procedures.
Once the investigation concluded, the committee submitted its report to the Executive Council for consideration. After reviewing the findings, the council endorsed the recommendation, resulting in the professor’s compulsory retirement. The university has not released additional details about the inquiry, citing procedural norms.
University Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy
A university official stated that Delhi University remains committed to maintaining a secure academic environment for students, faculty members, and staff. The institution reiterated that it follows a zero-tolerance approach towards incidents of sexual harassment and continues to strengthen measures aimed at protecting members of the university community.
The official added that the university will continue to enforce its policies to ensure that complaints are addressed through the prescribed mechanisms and that appropriate action is taken wherever required.
Legal Framework Governing ICC Proceedings
The Internal Complaints Committee functions under the provisions of the University Grants Commission regulations and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act. These rules authorize ICCs to receive complaints, conduct independent investigations, and recommend disciplinary action based on their findings.
Universities and higher educational institutions across India are required to establish such committees to provide an accessible and structured process for addressing workplace sexual harassment complaints.
Second Such Action at Delhi University
This is the second reported instance in which a Delhi University faculty member has been compulsorily retired following recommendations made by the Internal Complaints Committee.
In an earlier case involving Bharati College, Dr. Amit Kumar faced allegations from students in 2018 of sending sexually explicit messages. Following its investigation, the Internal Complaints Committee concluded that the allegations were credible and recommended stringent disciplinary action. That case also resulted in compulsory retirement, reflecting the university’s use of disciplinary measures in cases where ICC findings support serious misconduct.
The latest decision underscores Delhi University’s continued reliance on its institutional grievance redressal process while addressing allegations of sexual harassment within the academic community.