DUTA Letter to VC Regarding Cases of Sexual Harassment in Delhi University

17th April, 2018

Prof. Yogesh Tyagi,
Vice Chancellor,
University of Delhi,
Dear Prof. Tyagi,

Sub: Regarding Cases of Sexual Harassment in Delhi University

We write to express our grave concern about the spate of cases of sexual harassment in various departments and colleges of Delhi University in which the basic tenets of the law are not being followed by the University. Some of the violations that we have come to know about are the following:

1. In many such cases, the accused is in a position of authority such as a Head of Department or Principal and is therefore in a position to influence or intimidate the complainants and/or witnesses. Despite this, he has not been asked to step down from the position pending enquiry, which raises serious doubts about the credibility and independence of the enquiry procedure.

2. In many colleges/Departments, elections of student representatives to the ICC have not been held, which is a violation of specific guidelines laid down by the UGC in this regard.

3. Even in cases where the Apex Committee has conducted an enquiry and submitted a report, the recommendations have not been placed before the Executive Council for implementation.

4. In most cases, the cases have not been pursued in a time-bound manner, leading to subversion of cause of justice and redressal.

As a result, women students and employees of the University are facing continued harassment, intimidation and hostility in their workplace, which has vitiated the working environment for the entire University community.

Some of the cases that have been brought to our notice are in the Departments of Chemistry and African Studies, Swami Shraddhanand College, Bharati College, Daulat Ram College and College of Vocational Studies.

We urge you to take the matters up with the seriousness they deserve so that the dignity of women students and employees is upheld in the light of the spirit and letter of the Law Against Sexual Harassment at the Workplace.

With regards,