The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed a Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor, accused of sexually harassing women students, not to take charge as warden of any hostel in the varsity campus which houses women.
“It is also in the interest of the professor to reduce the chance of interaction with the complainants or potential witnesses,” said Justice Rajiv Shakdher.
The court was hearing a petition filed by several women students seeking suspension of Professor Atul Kumar Johri, against whom eight FIRs have been lodged alleging sexual harassment, and to restrain him from entering the campus.
The counsel appearing for JNU told the court that Prof Johri had resigned from administrative work and was no longer the warden of any hostel or member of any committee.
Fact-finding committee
The HC said the university will consider the advisability of sending Prof Johri on leave and this decision can be taken after the fact-finding committee, set up by the varsity, submits its findings.
It also questioned the varsity over the absence of women members in the fact-finding panel, which comprises two male professors. It asked the JNU’s advocate to advise the Vice-Chancellor to re-constitute the panel and include a female professor before whom the women students could depose comfortably.
“How will the students answer to a male member properly? A woman member can ask questions in a better manner as the allegations pertain to sexual harassment,” the court observed.
Lab also off limits
Advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for the women students, said that 79 more students have given a letter to the police that they do not feel safe and were living in a fearful atmosphere as the professor continued to visit the Department of Life Sciences.
The HC later asked the professor not to visit laboratory no. 409 of the Department of Life Sciences where the students work.
When the court enquired whether Prof Johri will still be evaluating the work of these Ph.D students, the university’s counsel replied in the negative.
The varsity’s counsel further said that the professor has resigned from all official positions and has been advised not to go to the laboratory or the department.
‘Will not vacate campus’
The court inquired whether Prof Johri was willing to move out of the campus and reside somewhere else.
To this, the professor’s counsel said he cannot move out as his “prestige was at stake” and he has “three daughters”.
When the judge asked: “You will not volunteer [to move out]?” Prof Johri’s counsel said: “No I will not.”
The Delhi Police told the court that the probe is still on and they have filed a status report. A fresh report will be submitted before the next date of hearing on May 23, it added.
