The Delhi High Court on Friday sought the response of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on a plea by eight women students challenging the clean chit given by university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to Professor Atul Johri in sexual harassment cases.
Justice Suresh Kait issued notice to the university and the Professor for their replies to a plea seeking his suspension and removal from the campus.
Challenging the July 23, 2018, decision of the ICC, the complainants contended that the committee “completely departed from the specific and limited terms of reference set out by the High Court”.
“The Impugned Report shows that the proceedings have not been conducted under order, dated May 29, 2018, of this court. It is vitiated by want of jurisdiction, lacks the authority of law and is marred by bias and procedural illegalities,” the petition said.
Advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for the students, said the HC had directed the ICC only to examine if there was a prima facie case of misconduct to suspend the professor.
She said the panel could not have inquired into the sexual harassment allegations as the complainants had not raised that issue. Ms. Grover said that unless the women seek an inquiry in writing, the ICC could not have gone into it.
“The findings, conclusions and recommendations [in ICC report]... are on the face of it perverse,” the petition said.
JNU’s counsel argued that the ICC has found the complaints of sexual harassment made by the women to be “malicious”.
The professor’s lawyer also argued that the women have “taken revenge” against him for being a “tough taskmaster”.
The HC has posted the case for further hearing on May 3.