Efforts by certain individuals associated with the Congress-Left ecosystem to shield a Congress MP and professor facing serious allegations of sexual harassment by female students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), spread misinformation, and divert attention from the core issue are condemnable. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has consistently raised its voice on matters concerning the safety, dignity, and justice of female students. In this case, ABVP unequivocally demands an impartial investigation into the complaints, complete freedom from political interference in the investigative process, and the strictest possible action against anyone found guilty.
The functioning of JNU’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and the delay in the investigation in this case raise serious questions. Under Section 11(4) of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, an inquiry is required to be completed within 90 days, while Section 13(4) stipulates that the inquiry report must be submitted within 10 days of the completion of the inquiry. Despite these statutory provisions, questions regarding the progress of the investigation remained unanswered for nearly four months after the complaints came to light. Reports of accelerated action in the matter emerged only after the case drew attention and ABVP raised its voice against the delay. ABVP had also staged protests demanding expeditious completion of the investigation, protection for the complainants, and measures to prevent the accused from influencing the inquiry.
In this context, rather than addressing the delay in the investigation and ensuring accountability on the part of the committee, certain individuals associated with the Congress-Left ecosystem have regrettably attempted to spread misinformation about ABVP’s role and divert the matter through purported letters and claims. It is deeply concerning that, instead of addressing the fundamental questions concerning the allegations raised by the female students and the delay in the investigation, efforts are being made to shield the accused. ABVP makes it clear that it will not allow any attempt to protect the accused on the basis of political affiliations or undermine the voices of the complainants. ABVP demands an impartial investigation, adequate protection for the complainants against any form of pressure, and an appropriate inquiry, in accordance with the law, into any attempts to influence the investigation or obstruct the pursuit of justice by spreading misinformation.
ABVP National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki said, “Certain individuals associated with the Congress-Left ecosystem are attempting to malign ABVP and divert attention from this serious matter by spreading misinformation. When ABVP raised questions about the delay in the investigation and demanded justice for the female students, it was unfortunate that, instead of ensuring accountability, attempts were made to create confusion. No political interest can take precedence over the safety of female students and their right to justice. ABVP’s demand is clear: the case must be investigated impartially, the safety of the complainants must be ensured, and the strictest possible action must be taken against anyone found guilty. ABVP will strongly oppose every attempt to shield the accused or divert attention from the fundamental question of justice.”