NEW DELHI: The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) has alleged that following a sexual harassment complaint by a student, the internal complaints committee (ICC) has shifted the onus on to the complainant and the accused has only been given a warning.
Raising apprehensions about the role of the ICC, the students’ body in a statement said, “Incidents like this reawaken the apprehensions of the JNU community regarding the ICC and the possible gender justice it can deliver when compared to an independent, autonomous body like GSCASH (Gender Sensitization Committee against Sexual Harassment).
The role of the ICC has once again been deplorable as no restraining orders have been issued by the nominated body.”
In the recommendations provided by the ICC, the accused has been asked to write an apology letter and also submit an undertaking to the committee that he would not engage in such misconduct.
Both the accused and the complainant have also been directed to attend three workshops on gender awareness and sensitivity apart from three counselling sessions.
The JNUSU, in its statement, said, “In a shocking manner, when the ICC handed over the recommendations after three months of the enquiry, the ICC has resorted to shifting the onus onto the complainant by suggesting that she undertake sessions on gender sensitisation instead of punishing the accused.”
Senior officials of the varsity administration could not be reached for a comment.
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)
