Officials of IIT-Madras maintained their stand of refusing to reveal details about the recent case of sexual harassment on campus that led to the suspension of a professor. According to sources, the complaint of sexual harassment was filed between July and August this year after which the Complaints Committee Against Sexual Harassment at the institute inquired into the matter and found the professor guilty. The complaint was brought to light by the victim’s friend.
A member of the committee said they had submitted a report of their findings to the administration several weeks ago.
An email from the registrar of IIT-Madras said that as per section 16 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, details regarding complaints of sexual harassment cannot be disclosed. “IIT-Madras, however, would like to place on record that action is always taken up immediately on any such complaint and justice is secured for the aggrieved persons following due processes of law.”
Sources said the committee has over nine members, which include professors, wardens and also, a women’s rights activist who is not an employee of IIT-Madras. Sources at the institute have confirmed the suspension of the professor, reportedly from the mechanical engineering department.
