Since the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) replaced the Gender Sensitisation Committee Against Harassment (GSCASH) in 2017, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has registered 151 sexual harassment complaints. According to RTI data, nearly 98% of these cases have been resolved, with three still under investigation. The university, however, did not disclose specific details about the complaints or actions taken, citing confidentiality.
The dismantling of GSCASH remains contentious. The JNU Students’ Union and Teachers’ Association argue that the ICC lacks the transparency and autonomy that GSCASH provided, alleging administrative influence weakens the process.
The highest number of complaints in a year was recorded in 2018-19, with 63 cases. The pandemic period saw a sharp decline, with only six cases between 2019 and 2021, likely due to reduced campus activity. Post-pandemic, numbers surged again, with 30 complaints each in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
In 2015, JNU had the highest number of sexual harassment complaints among Delhi’s educational institutions, comprising 50% of reported cases citywide over three years. Recent incidents have intensified scrutiny. For instance, in April, a female student staged a 12-day protest over alleged inaction on her complaint, leading to penalties against her and her supporters. In October, 47 female students filed a joint complaint about harassment during a freshers’ party. Another student reportedly left the university after accusing a professor of misconduct.
These incidents have triggered widespread protests, raising significant concerns about the effectiveness of the ICC and JNU’s overall handling of sexual harassment cases.
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