Two Delhi University (DU) professors have filed a petition with the Delhi High Court. They allege procedural errors by the Kalindi College Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The professors claim the ICC wrongly dismissed their sexual harassment complaints against male colleagues.
Professors Allege Harassment and Threats
The complaints, filed in July last year, detail incidents of sexual harassment and physical threats. The two professors, each with over 20 years of teaching experience at Kalindi College, faced alleged lewd remarks. These remarks reportedly appeared on the college’s official WhatsApp group late at night. One accused professor also allegedly made threatening statements. This occurred at a staff association meeting attended by over 100 faculty members. A recording of this meeting was provided to the ICC.
The complainants requested the recusal of an ICC member. This member was named in the complaint for reacting to the WhatsApp chat. The ICC proceeded with the hearing despite this request. The professors appeared in person for the proceedings.
ICC Ruling Contradicts Harassment Definition
On September 19, 2025 , the ICC submitted its report. The report stated the complaints did not constitute sexual harassment. It defined sexual harassment as requiring sexual gestures or physical advances. The ICC found no evidence of sexual signals, pornographic material, or sexually colored remarks. The report also noted a lack of documentary or photographic evidence from the complainants.
The professors argue the ICC’s interpretation is too narrow. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act) does not limit harassment to physical actions. The lawyers for the professors stated that the PoSH Act lacks an appellate authority for colleges. Appeals to the university regarding procedural lapses received no response.
The professors expressed concern for students. They questioned the effectiveness of ICCs in addressing student complaints. Kalindi College’s officiating principal, Meena Charanda, declined to comment. She cited the ongoing court case.
This is not the first time a court has reviewed an ICC’s functioning. Such challenges have arisen in cases across the country.