Delhi Court Directs Police Action in University Harassment Case
A Delhi court has ordered the registration of a First Information Report against senior officials of Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University. The case involves allegations of harassment made by a female faculty member.
Officials Named in Police Complaint
Police have filed the FIR against Vice-Chancellor Ashok Nagawat and former Registrar Gagan Dhawan. The Dwarka South police station recorded the case under specific sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Authorities invoked IPC Sections 509 and 34 in the official complaint. These sections address acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman and acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention.
Faculty Member Alleges Serious Misconduct
The complainant serves as a lecturer and holds a Group ‘A' gazetted officer position at the university's Pusa campus. She reported experiencing harassment during visits to the Dwarka office of the institution.
According to her statement, the troubling incidents occurred when she visited the vice-chancellor's office in February 2024. She sought resolution for delayed salary payments and other pending dues during that visit.
The faculty member described several distressing occurrences. She stated that officials shouted at her in an unprofessional manner. They allegedly humiliated her in front of other university staff members.
More seriously, she reported being subjected to sexually inappropriate remarks during these interactions. The complainant also noted damage to her official documents.
Service Records Allegedly Damaged
The faculty member's personal file and service book suffered deliberate mishandling according to the police complaint. These important documents were reportedly torn during the incidents.
Such damage to service records can create significant professional difficulties for any employee. Proper maintenance of these documents remains essential for career progression and administrative processes.
Court Intervention Leads to FIR Registration
The Dwarka court examined the complaint carefully before directing police action. Judicial authorities determined that the allegations disclosed cognisable offences.
This legal assessment meant the matters warranted a proper police investigation. The court's observation prompted the official registration of the First Information Report against the university officials.
Police will now conduct a thorough probe into the allegations. Investigators will examine all evidence and statements related to the case. The judicial process will follow its standard course as the matter progresses through the legal system.
This development highlights ongoing concerns about workplace environments in educational institutions. It underscores the importance of proper grievance redressal mechanisms for all employees.
