New Delhi – Three female professors from Delhi University’s Kalindi College have accused a group of male faculty members of subjecting them to sexual harassment, inappropriate comments, and physical threats, according to complaints filed with the college’s Internal Complaints Committee and local police. The DU professors harassment case has raised serious concerns about workplace safety and the efficacy of institutional mechanisms designed to protect faculty members from misconduct.
Serious Allegations Include Physical Threats
One professor involved in the DU professors harassment case, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that male colleagues had made obscene gestures, remarks of a sexual nature, and physically threatened her. The gravity of the allegations extends beyond verbal harassment to include documented threats of physical violence, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within the academic institution.
A video shows one male professor threatening physical harm against a complainant in the DU professors harassment case. While the authenticity of the video could not be independently verified, the complainants assert they have submitted this video evidence along with other documents to support their allegations. The existence of such visual documentation underscores the seriousness of the accusations and the alleged brazenness of the misconduct.
ICC Response Deemed Inadequate
The DU professors harassment case has exposed significant concerns about the Internal Complaints Committee’s handling of the matter. Despite providing what the complainants describe as substantial evidence, including video recordings and multiple supporting documents, they were informed there was insufficient material evidence to proceed with their complaints.
“Despite providing a video recording file and enough documents to the Internal Complaints Committee of the college, we were told that there was lack of material evidence,” one professor stated, expressing frustration with the institutional response to the DU professors harassment allegations. This assertion by the ICC has raised questions about the criteria used to evaluate evidence and whether the committee is adequately equipped to handle such serious allegations.
Formal Complaint Details Pattern of Misconduct
A formal ICC complaint dated July 17 provides detailed documentation of the DU professors harassment case, outlining a disturbing pattern of workplace misconduct. The complaint describes “derogatory comments that were hurtful, gender provocative, and slanderous in nature,” demonstrating that the harassment extended beyond isolated incidents to constitute systematic mistreatment.
The complaint also references “sexualized comments” and “physical threats,” painting a comprehensive picture of a hostile work environment. The complainant, a teacher with nearly two decades of service at the institution, urged the committee to ensure a safe working environment, emphasizing that her lengthy tenure at the college made the situation particularly distressing.
Procedural Delays Compound the Problem
The DU professors harassment case has been further complicated by significant procedural delays in the complaint processing system. The professors allege that one complaint filed on August 27 remains unprocessed months later, suggesting systemic failures in the institution’s response mechanisms to harassment allegations.
“I urge you to take immediate and appropriate action as laid down in law and ensure a safe and respectful working environment and protect me from further harassment,” the professor wrote in her complaint, highlighting the urgent nature of the situation and the continuing risk faced by the complainants while their cases remain unresolved.
The extended delay in processing complaints in the DU professors harassment case raises serious questions about whether the Internal Complaints Committee is functioning effectively and whether complainants are receiving the protection mandated by law. Such delays can discourage other potential victims from coming forward and allow alleged perpetrators to continue their behavior unchecked.
Police Investigation Initiated
The DU professors harassment case has escalated beyond internal college mechanisms, with complainants seeking intervention from law enforcement authorities. A complaint was lodged at Patel Nagar police station on November 7, bringing the matter under criminal investigation jurisdiction.
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A senior police officer confirmed that a formal complaint had been registered and an enquiry initiated into the DU professors harassment allegations. “An enquiry is being conducted. We are yet to examine all the witnesses and the accused. Legal action has been initiated in the case. We have reached out to the college to record their statement and help in probe,” the officer stated.
DCP (Central) Nidhin Valsan confirmed that an enquiry is ongoing into the DU professors harassment case, though no FIR has been registered yet. The police investigation represents a parallel track to the internal college proceedings, potentially providing the complainants with an alternative avenue for justice if institutional mechanisms continue to prove inadequate.
College Administration Silent
Attempts to contact the college’s officiating principal for comment on the DU professors harassment case went unanswered, leaving questions about the institution’s official position and planned response to these serious allegations. The administrative silence is particularly concerning given the severity of the accusations and the potential impact on the college’s reputation and the safety of its faculty members.
Broader Implications for Academic Institutions
The DU professors harassment case highlights systemic challenges facing academic institutions in addressing workplace misconduct. The allegations suggest that even in educational environments that should exemplify progressive values and respect, faculty members can face serious harassment and threats.
The case underscores the need for robust, effective complaint mechanisms that treat allegations seriously, process them promptly, and provide adequate protection for complainants. The apparent disconnect between the evidence provided and the ICC’s determination of insufficient material evidence in the DU professors harassment case raises questions about training, resources, and commitment to addressing harassment in academic settings.
As the investigation continues, this case serves as a reminder that workplace safety and dignity remain critical issues requiring institutional vigilance, proper procedures, and a commitment to creating environments where all faculty members can work without fear of harassment or retaliation.
