JNU harassment case: Assembly passes resolution on 'lethargic attitude' of police

The Delhi Assembly today passed a resolution, condemning the police's "lethargic attitude" in probing the alleged sexual harassment of some women students of JNU by a professor and stating that the AAP government would provide all possible help to the victims, including legal assistance by appointing special public prosecutors in the cases.

The resolution, moved by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Sourabh Bharadwaj, stated that the Delhi government should also provide counselling to the victims through its women and child welfare department and the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW).

It stated that the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students had filed complaints of sexual harassment and molestation against Atul Johri, a professor of the School of Life Sciences in the premier institute.

"This House therefore condemns the lethargic attitude of the Delhi Police in not taking prompt action on the complaints of the students and hence, the students had to resort to protest and gherao of the police station to get their complaints heard and acted upon by the Delhi Police," the resolution that was passed by a voice vote stated.

"The House resolves that the Government of Delhi shall extend all possible assistance to the victims, including legal assistance by appointing special public prosecutors, and counselling through its women and child welfare department and DCW," it further stated.

During the discussion on the resolution, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia attacked the Centre, alleging that "a conspiracy is being hatched in the country for the last four years to ensure that the youth does not get a better education".

He further alleged that during the regime of the BJP-led central government, universities had hogged the limelight due to "wrong reasons" and their ranking had not improved at the world-level.