JNU Will Follow Rules in Sexual Harassment Probe, Says Vice Chancellor
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New Delhi , September 18 : Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has said that the university will follow its rules and statutory procedures in the ongoing sexual harassment inquiry involving Congress Lok Sabha MP and JNU professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
Speaking about the university's position, Prof. Pandit said, “I don’t take any political pressure. I stand by rules and regulations.” She stressed that the administration would not interfere with the proceedings of the university's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
The case involves complaints reportedly submitted by 11 students against the professor. The students have alleged inappropriate conduct during viva examinations, including sexually suggestive remarks and alleged offers of higher marks in exchange for sexual favours. The allegations are being examined by the university's internal mechanism and have not been established as facts.
A Congress MP, who’s a professor at JNU, is facing harassment allegations raised by 11 students, yet Rahul Gandhi and the senior Congress leadership have remained publicly silent.
— Satya Kumar Yadav (@satyakumar_y) September 18, 2026
Rahul Gandhi has spoken extensively about women’s empowerment and “smash the patriarchy.”
But… https://t.co/ABxOLqzZm3
The Vice Chancellor said the ICC functions independently under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and applicable University Grants Commission regulations. She also addressed questions over the time taken in the proceedings, referring to the university's summer vacation and stating that the committee is required to complete the inquiry within the stipulated period.
The accused professor has denied the allegations and described them as false and fabricated.
The matter has also drawn the attention of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW). The commission took suo motu cognisance after a video circulated on social media in which students alleged that they had submitted their complaint in May 2026. The DCW has sought a detailed action-taken report from JNU, including information on whether the complaint was referred to the ICC and what steps have been taken. The commission has clarified that it is seeking the report to establish the facts and is not treating the allegations as proven.
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Student groups, including the ABVP, have also held protests demanding transparency and a time-bound inquiry into the complaints.