The Delhi High Court on Monday heard proceedings concerning a fresh inquiry into a sexual harassment complaint against an IIT Delhi professor dating back to 2013. The matter was heard by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia.

Senior Advocate Parag Tripathi appeared for IIT Delhi.

He submitted that the complaint had remained pending since 2013 and that the inquiry had already been the subject of prolonged litigation. He referred to the earlier proceedings in which the High Court had directed a fresh inquiry after finding procedural shortcomings in the previous inquiry, while making no finding on the merits of the sexual harassment allegations.

He explained that following the Court’s directions, the Board of Governors of IIT Delhi had considered the matter and unanimously resolved to initiate a fresh inquiry through the Internal Complaints Committee.

He also addressed the procedure for supplying the complaint to the professor, acknowledging that a summary had earlier been supplied instead of the complete complaint. He submitted that the even though complete complaint is already with the Professor, he could now be supplied the complete complaint and the professor be given the prescribed opportunity to respond, along with documents and witness details, rather than staying the inquiry on that ground.

The proceedings also involved submissions concerning the seriousness and age of the allegations, which date back to 2013. mr Tripathi emphasised that the institute has a great responsibility to ensure that the students are provided with a safe, secure and conducive academic environment.

The Court directed that the complainants be served in the proceedings and indicated that the matter would be taken up next on September 22.