LI Network
Published on: February 16, 2024 at 14:40 IST
The Delhi High Court has voiced its apprehensions regarding the increasing cases of sexual harassment by teachers and professors towards students.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh emphasized the gravity of this offense, characterizing it as an abuse of power.
The Court underscored the sacred and influential nature of the teacher-student relationship, emphasizing the significant role teachers play in the comprehensive development of students.
“Teachers are gifted with the power to impart wisdom and shape the minds of children who are the future, and it is imperative that such power is not misused. As a society, it is important to understand that parents of such students send their children away from their homes in the hope that their children would be in a safe and conducive environment under the guidance of their teachers, however, the act of sexual harassment by teachers has witnessed a widespread occurrence which is a serious offence and abuse of a position of power.”
The Court reflected on the historic and revered nature of the teacher-student relationship, describing it as a connection of knowledge and devotion that spans ancient scriptures and epics.
The comments were made during the consideration of a petition filed by Dr. Amit Kumar, a professor at Delhi University’s Bharati College, who was suspended due to sexual harassment allegations from students.
Kumar challenged the university’s decision to recover ₹6.42 lakh from him, arguing that the amount was overpaid to him. The court sided with Kumar, stating that the recovery could not be justified since the payment was made before his suspension was officially approved by the Vice-Chancellor.
“Accordingly, the order dated 4th March, 2020, and audit memo dated 20th January, 2020, are set aside, and it is directed that the amount declared as overpaid is not to be recovered from the petitioner. However, the petitioner is not entitled to the increments as prayed for in prayer ”