Eleven students of Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have accused a professor of sexual harassment. They have filed a complaint with the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). According to university sources, the students submitted the complaint in May. Following this, the ICC began investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) has emailed the university administration regarding laboratory safety and professors’ conduct toward students. The students’ union has demanded a complete audit of the laboratories, the provision of necessary safety gear, and the establishment of laboratory timings.
Allegations of keeping students in the laboratory until midnight
JNUSU alleged that some professors ask students to work in the laboratory until midnight without any need to do so. Science scholars have to work in the laboratory for long periods, which is affecting their health. The union has also demanded comfortable chairs for the scholars.
The students’ union said that lab timings should be set according to UGC guidelines. Scholars should be allowed to decide whether working late at night is necessary for their research projects.
Accusation of Handling Mercury Without Gloves
The students’ union said that some labs lack essential safety gear. It alleged that students are being required to handle substances such as mercury without proper gloves. JNUSU demanded safety audits of all science labs and called for an investigation into how many students have experienced health problems as a result of working in the labs.
Professors Accused of Intimidation and Moral Policing
JNUSU alleged that a rigid hierarchy is being created between scholars and supervisors. It also demanded action on complaints of students being intimidated and having their private lives interfered with.
The students’ union demanded gender- and caste-sensitivity workshops for all professors. It also called for strict action against professors who harass students.
Earlier Case of Sexual Harassment Against a Professor at JNU
This complaint comes amid a previously reported sexual harassment case at JNU. In April 2025, the university’s Executive Council dismissed four employees. They included Swarn Singh, a senior professor at the School of International Studies.
Singh was accused of sexual harassment by an official from the Japanese Embassy. She coordinated academic programs with JNU professors. According to an official, she filed the complaint after her last meeting with Singh. He was dismissed after the investigation found evidence against him. It was reported that there had been several complaints against him in the past as well.
A senior faculty member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the incident took place in May 2024. The committee conducted a detailed investigation into the matter and gave both parties an opportunity to present their witnesses.
The ICC’s investigation into the new complaint by 11 students is ongoing. The JNU administration has not responded to questions about the matter.
