Following the case of sexual harassment against head of Department of Chemistry at Delhi University and many other cases pending with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of DU, the president of National Democratic Teachers' Front (NDTF) and Executive Council (EC) member AK Bhagi has written to the DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Yogesh Tyagi for speedy enquiry and action in such cases. The letter is endorsed by several Academic Council (AC) members also.
“It has been noted that university is constantly failing in its duty to complete the inquiry and action in sexual harassment cases as per the provisions of the Act to deal with sexual harassment cases at work place. The inquiry in such cases must be completed and report its finding to Executive Council within 90 days for suitable action,” said Bhagi in his letter to VC. He said that pending cases of sexual harassment has resulted into unrest in university community especially among women.
“It has also been noted that even in cases of serious complaints against administrators, they are being allowed to continue on their administrative positions. Their continuation in their administrative positions may give them a chance to influence witnesses etc. Therefore, for a fair enquiry during that period the administrator must be removed from his administrative position,” said the letter.
He also said that the delayed actions on part of university is “falsely” attributed to alleged interference from government or political parties and other “vested” interest group in university.
“In light of the above , we request you to take suitable steps so that gender justice is not only being done in this university but must appears to be done that too in given time frame in ongoing and future complaints,” said Bhagi.