Sexual harassment case: HC orders two profs to vacate residential quarters by Aug 13

The two professors of Surat’s Sardar Vallabhbhbai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), who were accused of sexual harassment, have been ordered by the Gujarat High Court to vacate their residential quarters on the college campus by August 13. The board of governors of SVNIT suspended two professors — Ranjit Roy and Vivekanand Mishra — on February 13 after allegations of sexual harassment against them were substantiated by the Internal College Committee in its fact finding reports submitted to the board.

After their suspension, the institute authorities had asked them to vacate the quarters. Despite that the duo continued to stay in the residential quarters with their family members. Both the accused professors had challenged the board of governors order in Gujarat High Court. After hearing both sides, the High Court on Friday passed orders asking both professors to vacate the residential quarters by August 13.

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SVNIT director Dr. P D Porey and registrar H A Parmar were also removed from their post following agitation by the students who accused them of protecting the accused professors. Seeing the anger of the students and reports submitted to the board of governors about the role of both director and registrar, the chairman of BoG had removed both of them from the post. H A Parmar had challenged the decision before the Gujarat High Court and the matter will be heard next week.

In-charge Registrar Dr. P D Vakharia said, “The Gujarat HC had ordered both the accused professors to vacate the quarters by August 13. We will see whether they are obeying the HC’s order or not. If not we will intimate the court. The dismissal of registrar H A Parmar is still pending before the court and we hope very soon the court will decide on the matter.”