Pune: A case of sexual harassment of a female professor at a prestigious college under the Deccan Education Society has surfaced. Despite the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the college finding two male professors guilty, no action has been taken by the society even after a year.
The female professor, working at a reputed college under the Deccan Education Society, lodged a complaint stating that one of her male colleagues consistently tried to get close to her under various pretexts and made inappropriate comments.
These remarks were unprofessional and extremely derogatory. Another professor allegedly harassed her by intruding into her private life and causing mental distress.
The harassment reportedly took place between July 2022 and March 2023. The professor initially filed a complaint with the then College Development Committee (CDC) chairman, demanding action.
However, since the accused professors were close to the society’s governing board members and officials, efforts were made to shield them. The complainant faced pressure to withdraw her complaint. It was only after her persistent follow-up that the society eventually formed the ICC.
Pramod Rawat, Chairman of the Regulatory Board and Council, Deccan Education Society said, “There was a misunderstanding between two individuals in the institution. We tried to mediate and resolve the issue amicably.
When that didn’t work, we followed the University Grants Commission’s guidelines and gave both parties a chance to present their sides. After hearing both sides, we made a decision. All procedures were followed within the legal framework.”
ICC's Findings and Lack of Action
The ICC, after hearing both the complainant and the accused professors, found them guilty in 24 out of 25 charges. Despite this, no action has been taken against the professors.
Frustrated, the victim approached Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar in March, but no action was taken on her complaint. Hoping for justice, she then appealed to Savitribai Phule Pune University and the College Tribunal. A hearing is expected at the end of July.