Delhi Commission for Women seeks report from JNU over sexual harassment complaint against professor

New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Lata Gupta on Monday sought a report from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration within three days over allegations of sexual harassment made by female students against a professor.

The Commission Chairperson took suo motu cognisance of a video circulating on social media in which students alleged that they had submitted a complaint against the professor before the Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit in May 2026, but, according to them, no appropriate action has been taken on their complaint so far.

Gupta said that whenever a woman or student raises a complaint of sexual harassment, it is essential that the complaint is dealt with fairly, promptly and sensitively in accordance with the law and prescribed procedure.

In a notice issued to the University, the DCW asked: "What action has been taken by the JNU administration on the complaint reportedly submitted by the students in May 2026 and whether the complaint was referred to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) constituted under the POSH Act."

The DCW also asked the University officials if the complaint was placed before the ICC, what action has been taken by the Committee so far and in case no action has been taken so far, the reasons for the same should also be clearly stated.

Gupta said that the Commission's objective is to ensure that every complaint is properly examined through due process and that the complainant is not deprived of access to justice because of administrative inaction or delay.

The official statement said Delhi Commission for Women will examine the report submitted by JNU and, based on the facts and finding available on record, will take further necessary action in accordance with law.

The DCW notice asked the JNU to present status of the inquiry and the action taken by the university/ICC over the female students' complaint.

"The Action Taken Report (ATR) along with relevant details is to be submitted before the Commission," the notice said.

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