Sexual harassment case: Syndicate keeps decision 'pending'

The Syndicate is said to have arrived at a decision based on the report submitted by the Women Harassment Complaints Committee on June 13, after studying the case for over three months. Vice-Chancellor V G Talawar said the decision to put the case on hold was taken at the Syndicate meeting on Friday, as the members deemed it fit to wait for the report of the departmental inquiry headed by Venkat Rao and assisted by Dr Gopalappa.

Background

Research scholar Sarita, who had carried out research under the guidance of Dr Shivabasavaiah for about 11 months, had lodged a complaint with Talawar on March 1, 2011, alleging that her guide was seeking sexual favours from her. Talawar, who assured her of action against Shivabasavaiah, later developed cold feet and asked her to continue her research under the guidance of someone else, she had alleged. Subsequently, Sarita attempted suicide on March 5 night, prompting the university to take up a hurried investigation. The police have booked a case against both Shivabasavaiah and Talawar.