JNU panel recommends rustication of student for lodging false harassment plaint

The Gender Sensitisation Committee against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH) of JNU has exonerated a hostel warden who was accused of sexual harassment by a girl last year and has recommended rustication of the student for defaming him.

The panel, which deals with all sexual harassment complaints at the university, has submitted its report to the Vice Chancellor who will be the final authority in deciding the action.

"Noting that the allegations against the warden were defamatory, the panel has recommended that the student be asked to issue an apology in this connection and be rusticated for one semester," a GSCASH member said.

The varsity had recently modified its sexual harassment policy and included provisions for punishment of those filing false complaints.

The complainant was part of a group which had in last November organised a 'havan' in Jhelum hostel, which was stopped by the warden citing fire safety concerns.

The girl had then approached the GSCASH alleging that the warden had sexually harassed her.