The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has initiated a suo motu inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment against a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The commission has issued a formal notice to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, demanding a comprehensive report on the actions taken within a three-day timeframe.
The DCW’s intervention follows the circulation of a video on social media platforms, in which several female students voiced their concerns and alleged a lack of response from the university administration to their complaints.
Students Allege Inaction Since May
According to the students featured in the viral video, a formal complaint was lodged with the JNU Vice-Chancellor in May 2026 concerning the professor’s alleged misconduct. The students further claimed that despite the passage of time, no substantial action has been taken, and they accused the university administration of attempting to protect the accused professor.
In its notice, the DCW has specifically requested detailed information regarding the steps taken by JNU in response to the students’ complaint. The commission also sought to ascertain whether the complaint was formally referred to the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which is mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act.
Inquiry Status and Action Taken Report Demanded
Should the complaint have been forwarded to the ICC, the Delhi Commission for Women requires JNU to furnish the details of the committee’s proceedings, including the actions undertaken and the current status of its ongoing inquiry. Additionally, the university has been instructed to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR), outlining both the measures already implemented and those planned for the future.
The notice further stipulates that if no action has been taken concerning the complaint, the JNU administration must provide a clear explanation for the inaction. The commission has set a strict deadline of three days for the university to submit this complete report.
The DCW has clarified that the allegations presented on social media are not being treated as proven facts at this stage. The primary objective of the notice is to obtain an impartial, factual report from the competent authority to establish the accurate status of the complaint and the university’s response.
Emphasis on Student Safety
Lata Gupta, Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women, emphasized the critical importance of fair, sensitive, and timely investigations into all complaints of sexual harassment involving students and women. She stated, “Women and students’ safety cannot be compromised in any educational institution.” The commission’s action underscores its commitment to ensuring that educational campuses are safe environments for all students.
The Chenab Times News Desk
