Students and alumni of the National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata have collectively petitioned the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for the removal of the Vice Chancellor, Professor P. Ishwara Bhat, following allegations of sexual harassment by a professor. The petition reflects growing dissatisfaction with the current administration and calls for immediate action to address the alleged mismanagement and failure to effectively handle sexual harassment cases.
Background
The controversy intensified after allegations emerged against the Vice Chancellor for mishandling sexual harassment complaints within the institution. The petitioners highlighted incidents where the administration reportedly failed to act on complaints, including a high-profile case involving the assistant registrar, which further fueled the call for the VC’s resignation【206†source】【207†source】.
Legal Proceedings
In response to the ongoing issues, the Calcutta High Court directed the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Committee to reconsider the complaint filed by the professor against the Vice Chancellor. The Court criticized the committee for dismissing the complaint on the grounds of limitation without proper consideration of the merits, and mandated a thorough review to ensure justice is served【209†source】.
Student and Alumni Reactions
The petition, signed by hundreds of former and current students, underscores a lack of confidence in the VC’s leadership, accusing him of contributing to a decline in academic standards and failing to maintain a safe environment for students and staff. This move represents a significant push from the NUJS community for accountability and administrative reforms【208†source】.
Conclusion
The case has drawn considerable attention, highlighting the need for robust mechanisms to address sexual harassment and administrative accountability in educational institutions. The involvement of the CJI as the Chancellor of NUJS is seen as a critical step towards resolving the ongoing crisis and restoring the institution’s integrity.