Aligarh University law professor suspended for sexual harassment

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) suspended a senior law professor, after a first year student filed a sexual harassment complaint against him.

Professor Mohammad Shabbir, who ironically teaches criminal law and gender justice and is also the Chairman of the law department, was suspended by a committee formed by the AMU, after the complain surfaced.

The complainant hails from Kashmir.

AMU's registrar, Group Captain (retired) Shahrukh Shamshad said that a preliminary enquiry by the women's cell indicates 'misconduct'.

"This case is about misconduct. We have sent the girl, who claims to have been sexually harassed by a senior law professor, to the women's cell. A committee of the women's cell studied the case and the complainant was also heard. A preliminary inquiry was conducted on the basis of which the professor was suspended," he said.

Shamshad also said that a detailed inquiry has been ordered into the matter.

Media reports indicate that the professor was involved in a case earlier too, and suspended eight years ago on charges of sexual harassment by a US-based university student, who was on an exchange programme that time. The girl had filed a complaint with the US embassy. However, after four months of inquiry the professor was let off.

Professor Shabbir remained unavailable for comment.