JNU: 151 Sexual Harassment Cases Reported Since 2017, ICC's Transparency Questioned

JNU: An RTI query revealed that JNU has addressed a total of 151 sexual harassment complaints since 2017. According to its statement, 98% out of the 151 complaints filed against sexual harassment were resolved in this time frame, although three remain pending. As is customary with most allegations of this nature, this too has remained confidential. The university was criticized for its approach on these issues, especially after the transition from Gender Sensitization Committee Against Sexual Harassment, or GSCASH, to the Internal Complaints Committee, or ICC, in 2017.

Strife Over Moving from GSCASH to ICC

In 2017, JNU abolished the GSCASH and replaced it with the ICC. This move has been controversial, with students and faculty members raising concerns about the ICC's transparency and its ability to function independently. Critics argue that the ICC is influenced by the university administration, making it less effective in addressing harassment cases. The absence of transparency has led to protests and dissatisfaction among students.

Highest Number of Complaints in 2018-2019

The highest number of complaints was recorded in the academic years 2018-2019, at 63. The university claims that most of these cases have been resolved. Before the inception of the ICC, 38 complaints were filed under the GSCASH system in 2016. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2021), only 6 cases were reported. The number of complaints again increased in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, with approximately 30 complaints each year.

Freshers' Party and Faculty Member Allegations

Over the past few months, incidents have kept flooding the headlines regarding the mishandling of cases related to harassment by the university. In October 2023, 47 female students filed complaints of harassment and violence during the freshers' party. Earlier in April 2023, a student accused a professor of sexual harassment and threatened to leave the campus due to the inaction of the administration. This has brought widespread protests and demands for reforms in the functioning of the ICC.

There were several concerns regarding ICC about its role and its non-transparency. According to the students, there lacks autonomy in the committee so that it is a subordinate agency of the administration which acts, hence not effective while fighting harassment cases. Cases with some recent incidents have compelled further protest for transparency and a well-differentiated system which ensures the resolution of cases at least from sexual harassment in the hands of JNU.
In response to the sexual harassment cases handled by the administration, students have organized protests. In April 2023, a student who accused a professor of harassment staged a 12-day indefinite protest against the administration's inaction. Despite the protest, the university imposed fines on the student and their supporters. The lack of action has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among students, who demand stronger policies and better protections for those who report harassment.

Conclusion

This makes very serious concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the institution of handling sexual harassment cases by JNU and also the effectiveness of ICC. With multiple incidents of harassment and protests by the students, it has clearly proven that reforms are required for an assured safe environment for all the students. It is high time that the university took urgent steps for improvement of functioning of ICC so as to regain the confidence of students in its effective disposal of harassment cases.