DU college likely to decide fate of professor accused of sexual harassment next week

The Governing Body of Delhi University's Bharati College is likely to decide next week the fate of a professor accused of sexual harassment based on a report of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), a college official said Thursday.

The committee in its report had held the professor guilty.

Around 150 students held a protest within the college premises on Wednesday against the alleged delay by the Governing Body in taking action on the ICC's recommendations in the case.

"There are procedures to be followed and we have been working. The report (of the ICC) has been presented to the Governing Body and the college is well aware of the matter and we will ensure that the right thing is done," Bharati College principal Mukti Sanyal said.

In February this year, a student had complained to authorities at the Delhi University that the professor sent lewd messages to her. She also submitted a video in which she is seen confronting the professor.

Following the complaint, the professor was sent on leave.

The Governing Body issued a show cause notice to the professor and his response has been received.

On Monday, the Governing Body will study his reply and in all likelihood finalise a decision, an official said requesting anonymity.

After the Governing Body takes a decision about the action to be taken against the professor, it will send a report to the varsity's authorities for approval.

The Governing Body had also met on October 6 where the accused professor had presented his side of the story and pleaded innocence.

The ICC had recommended compulsory retirement for the accused professor and the Governing Body had endorsed the findings of the ICC in its meeting but had decided to take a final call later this month.

"The matter is under process and we will take care of our students," Governing Body chairman Ajay Gaur said.

Sources said action against the professor was delayed as he moved the Delhi High Court and filed three petitions against the college.

Though the petitions were dismissed, the college had to attend to them and the authorities could not move fast as the matter was sub-judice.