The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) has sent the following memorandum to the Vice Chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University demanding immediate suspension of Prof AtulJohri and instituting a free and fair inquiry on the complaint of sexual harassment against him. The memorandum is self-explanatory.
To,
Professor M. Jagadesh Kumar
Vice Chancellor
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Subject: Immediate Suspension of Prof Atul Johri and Free and Fair Inquiry on the Complaint of Sexual Harassment of Girl Students in the School of Life Sciences
Dear Professor Kumar,
The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) expresses deep anguish at reports of sexual harassment by Professor Atul Johri, a senior professor at the School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University. The harassment of girl students in JNU is highly condemnable and shameful.We understand that seven girl students from his laboratory have registered a police complaint against Prof Johri. We note with concern that since Professor Johri still occupies some important administrative positions (like wardenship of Chandrabhaga hostel) within the university, he will try to supress the case and discredit the students who have had the courage to complain. He is also likely to use his administrative clout to influence any probe into these charges. Pressure is already being exerted on the girls to withdraw the complaint.
The very fact that no action has yet been taken against him on the basis of the police complaint, shows that the University has not taken this issue seriously. This gives an impression of the administration trying to defend a criminal act.
Given the serious nature of the allegations, the JNU administration must act immediately to suspend Prof Johriand bar him from supervising any students till the investigation is completed.We also urge you to ensure that protection is accorded to the students who have complained, and all other students and teachers who may be questioned in this case.
Mailini Bhattacharya
President
