The Delhi High Court on Monday gave Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) two more weeks to complete its probe into the alleged misconduct of one of its professors. Prof. Atul Johri is accused of sexually harassing women students.
JNU had sought three weeks to complete the probe. The university said it received the court’s May 29 order directing the ICC to take a decision within three weeks on June 19 and hence needed more time to complete the investigation.
The request was opposed by the lawyer for the students, who have been seeking suspension of Prof. Johri. FIRs have been filed against him in connection with sexual harassment. Justice Vibhu Bakhru granted the ICC two more weeks to complete the proceedings after agreement by both sides.
Advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for the students, told the court that the May 29 order was made available on the court’s website the same evening. Stating there was no need for the university to wait till June 19 to receive the order, she argued there was an urgency and sensitivity attached to the case but it was missing in JNU’s approach in the matter.
The court had on May 29 directed Prof. Johri not to take charge as warden of any hostel on JNU campus which houses women. He was also told not to contact the students and potential witnesses.
It had said that the professor should not visit laboratory no. 409 in the Department of Life Sciences, where the students work and that the keys be given to them.
Prof. Johri may be given a separate laboratory in case he has work, the court had said. The court had rebuked JNU for not taking steps to provide a safe environment for the women who have levelled sexual harassment charges against Prof. Johri.