Delhi University Professor Booked Under POCSO Act for Alleged Sexual Harassment of Minor Student

Strategic Insights -

A Delhi University professor, who has been accused of misconduct three prior times, has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly sexually harassing and abusing a minor student. The professor, who had resigned from his administrative role in January 2025 following student protests, is currently under investigation by the Delhi Police and the college's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The ICC had recommended that the professor be kept off campus and barred from interacting with students until the investigation concludes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The professor has been accused of sexual harassment and assault of a minor student, prompting the invocation of the POCSO Act.
  • Three prior complaints of misconduct were filed against the professor in 2016, 2020, and 2023, but no action was taken.
  • The ICC has been conducting an internal inquiry since December 2024 and has recommended that the professor be kept off campus and barred from interacting with students.
  • The Delhi Police has formally asked the college administration to provide all details related to the professor and has provided an intimation of the FIR being registered.
  • The college administration is planning to approach the legal counsel for recommendations to deal with the case.
  • The professor had resigned from his administrative role in January 2025 following student protests.
  • The college confirmed that the professor had been suspended for six weeks in the same month.

Statistics:

  • 3 prior complaints of misconduct were filed against the professor between 2016 and 2023.
  • 1 complaint was submitted by the student to the college's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in December 2024.
  • 2 weeks are left for the ICC to conclude their internal inquiry.
  • 6 weeks was the duration of the suspension of the professor in January 2025.

Sources:

  • The Indian Express
  • Contify.com