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Journalism of Courage
The Governing Body of a leading Chandigarh college has dismissed an assistant professor after he was found guilty of sexually harassing girl students, including minors.
The decision came after detailed reports submitted by the institution’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and a Sole Hearing Committee. The ICC, formed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, held that the professor misused his position by sending inappropriate, obscene and suggestive messages to girl students, often late at night.
Several students, including hostellers, testified that they faced intimidation, emotional distress, and pressure to meet him alone. The ICC concluded that his conduct amounted to “grave sexual misconduct.” The Governing Body upheld the findings, rejecting his defence and noting that WhatsApp chats and testimonies of students proved the charges beyond doubt.
Ordering his immediate dismissal with forfeiture of benefits, the Governing Body said the institution follows a strict zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment. In its resolution, it added that the aim was not only to ensure justice but also to send a strong message that the institution is committed to providing a safe environment for women on campus.
“The purpose of such a recommendation is to give justice and also to send out a strong message that there is zero tolerance for such misconduct, a commitment to providing a safe working space for all, and a special concern for women’s safety, respect and dignity in the workplace,” the ICC said in its report.
The inquiry also found that the professor persistently asked personal questions, sought details about students’ relationships and residences, invited some to meet him outside, and pressured them to connect on apps like Telegram and Snapchat to erase chat histories. The ICC observed that he crossed the line by making remarks about students’ physical traits, style and personal choices, interfering in their personal lives, and offering preferential treatment if they complied with his demands. Students who resisted faced humiliation and intimidation.
The Governing Body noted that the ICC proceedings were conducted fairly and in accordance with the 2013 Act. It accepted the testimonies of girl students, along with screenshots of WhatsApp messages, as credible evidence. The Sole Hearing Committee and the Governing Body concluded that the sexually explicit language in the late-night chats was unrelated to academic work and proved sustained misconduct.
“The aim is to create a wholesome learning environment, free from any kind of overt or covert threat, intimidation or fear,” the ICC added.
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