JNU professor offered extra marks for sexual favours, 11 students approach varsity’s ICC: Here is what we know so far

The students said sexually suggestive remarks, inappropriate behaviour during viva examinations and offers of extra marks in exchange for sexual favours.
JNU professor offered extra marks for sexual favours (Image via Times Now)

A Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has been accused of sexual harassment by 11 students. They have now approached the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The students said that the professor made sexually suggestive remarks, behaved inappropriately during viva examinations and even offered extra marks in exchange for sexual favours.

The matter came to light after viva examinations held in the first week of May. One student shared her experience in a students-only WhatsApp group after the examination. Her account encouraged other students to speak about similar experiences, eventually leading to multiple complaints against the professor.

Students reveal marks were linked to sexual advances

According to media reports, students said that the professor made comments with sexual overtones during the viva and suggested that they could receive higher marks if they accepted his advances.

“The students say the incidents began coming to light after one student spoke about what she experienced during the viva. Other students then shared similar accounts. One of the allegations is that the professor linked additional marks to whether students would accept his advances,” a source told NDTV.

The complaints are not limited to viva examinations. Some students also revealed that the professor invited them to gatherings at his residence on the JNU campus, where he made sexual advances. Other complaints accuse him of making lewd or inappropriate comments during classes.

More students come forward after semester break

The ICC has started proceedings in the matter and asked the students to appear before it and record their statements. The issue, however, temporarily went quiet after JNU went into a semester break of around 45 days.

When students returned and classes resumed in July, the allegations began circulating on campus again. Then more students, including senior students, subsequently came forward with similar complaints following another allegation against the professor.

The ICC has refused to comment, saying the complaint is an internal matter and is currently being investigated. 

The latest allegations come after JNU took action in another sexual harassment case involving a senior faculty member. In April last year, the university’s Executive Council dismissed four employees in separate cases, including a faculty member accused of sexual harassment.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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