The Delhi High Court on Monday heard proceedings concerning a fresh inquiry into a sexual harassment complaint against an IIT Delhi professor dating back to 2013.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia heard the matter.
Senior Advocate Parag Tripathi, appearing for IIT Delhi, submitted that the complaint had remained pending for over a decade and had already resulted in prolonged litigation over the manner in which the earlier inquiry was conducted.
He referred to previous proceedings in which the High Court had directed IIT Delhi to conduct a fresh inquiry after finding procedural deficiencies in the earlier process. Tripathi clarified that the Court had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the allegations.
Following the High Court’s directions, the institute’s Board of Governors considered the matter and unanimously resolved to initiate a fresh inquiry through its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), the Court was informed.
During Monday’s hearing, Tripathi also addressed the issue of providing the professor with a copy of the complaint.
He acknowledged that, during the earlier proceedings, a summary of the complaint had been provided instead of the complete complaint. He submitted that the complete complaint was now available with the professor and could formally be supplied to him, along with the prescribed opportunity to respond.
According to Tripathi, the professor could also be furnished the relevant documents and details of witnesses in accordance with the applicable procedure. He argued that the inquiry should not be stayed merely on the ground concerning supply of the complaint, particularly when the procedural requirement could now be addressed.
The Bench also heard submissions concerning the seriousness of the allegations and the fact that they date back to 2013.
Tripathi emphasised the institute’s responsibility to ensure that students are provided with a safe, secure and conducive academic environment, while the fresh inquiry proceeds in accordance with due process.
The High Court directed that the complainants be served in the proceedings.
The matter will next be taken up on September 22.
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