JNU forms fact-finding panel to probe allegations against Johri

NEW DELHI: More than a month after allegations of sexual assault were levelled against JNU Prof Atul Kumar Johri, the Delhi High Court was informed that the University has finally constituted a fact finding committee to probe the allegations. The court further directed that the professor should not take charge as the warden of any of the hostel for women.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher was also informed by the counsel for JNU that Johri, who is out on bail, has resigned from all administrative posts of the varsity. Following this the court directed the university to consider the advisability of sending the professor on leave and said that this could be done only after the committee constituted submitted its findings. The single-judge bench also restrained Johri from interacting with female students of the varsity.

“In my view, it is also in the interest of the professor to reduce the chances of interaction with the complainants or potential witnesses,” the court said adding that the directions were being made on the stand taken by JNU’S counsel to provide a safe working environment to the petitioner students.

The bench restrained Johri from visiting the laboratory at the School of Life Sciences and directed that concrete actions be taken against him if he is seen on the campus.

The court also expressed its displeasure on the absence of female members in the fact finding committee and said that a suggestion be sent to the Vice Chancellor to look into the matter.

“They have put two male professors in the fact finding committee. Why not any female professor? How will the students answer to a male member properly. A woman member can ask questions in a better manner as the allegations pertain to sexual harassment,” it said.

Appearing for the varsity, its counsel Ginni Rautrey informed the court that Johri has resigned from all the administrative posts and is no longer warden of Chandrabhaga Hostel.