11 JNU students accuse professor of sexual harassment, university panel begins probe

Eleven students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have filed complaints accusing a professor of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct, prompting the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to launch an inquiry into the allegations.

The complaints were submitted around a month ago, according to people aware of the matter. The allegations include claims that the professor, who lives on the university campus, invited students to gatherings at his residence and allegedly made sexual advances towards them. Some complainants have also accused him of making lewd or inappropriate remarks during classes.

More students come forward

The matter reportedly began with a complaint by a student, following which senior students came forward with allegations of similar conduct against the professor. The complaints were subsequently taken up by the ICC, the university body responsible for examining allegations of sexual harassment.

The committee has declined to comment on the specifics of the complaints, citing the ongoing internal investigation. The inquiry could also involve former students as the committee examines the allegations and records statements.

JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit said sexual harassment complaints are dealt with by the ICC and pointed out that the Vice-Chancellor is not a member of the committee. The ICC functions under procedures prescribed for dealing with sexual harassment complaints at the university.

No police complaint has been registered in connection with the allegations so far, according to police.

Professor denies allegations

The professor has denied the accusations. Asked about the complaints and whether he had appeared before the ICC or recorded his statement, he said he was unaware of any such complaints and described the allegations against him as false.

The identity of the professor has not been made public in reports on the case. The allegations have also not been independently established and remain subject to the ICC inquiry.

Under JNU’s rules, complaints of sexual harassment involving students and members of academic or non-teaching staff can be investigated through its internal mechanism. The committee is tasked with examining complaints and following the prescribed inquiry process before reaching its findings.

The outcome of the case will now depend on the ICC investigation, including its examination of the individual complaints and the response of the professor to the allegations.