New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University on Friday terminated a professor accused of sexual harassment following the findings of its internal committee. In an official order, the university said it took the decision in line with the service rules prescribed by the University Grants Commission and under the Central Civil Services Rules.
An inquiry was conducted by the internal committee against the professor pursuant to allegations of sexual harassment. Based on the findings, the committee recommended a major punishment. Upon following the due process and considering all available facts, the punishment of dismissal from the services of the university was imposed on the professor with immediate effect, according to the order signed by JNU vice chancellor Santishree D Pandit. The professor has not responded to a request for comment on the decision.
At least 11 university students filed complaints against the professor in May, accusing him of sexual misconduct. The university constituted an internal complaints committee that same month. According to the complaints, the professor was accused of making inappropriate remarks with sexual connotations during viva examinations in the first week of May.
One student later shared her experience in a student WhatsApp group, prompting several others to come forward with similar allegations. Individuals familiar with the matter previously stated that the professor allegedly suggested he would award extra marks if students accepted his sexual advances. A formal complaint was subsequently submitted, after which several students were called to provide their statements to the committee.