The Delhi High Court recently voiced apprehensions about the increasing incidents of sexual harassment involving students and their teachers, as highlighted in the case of Dr. Amit Kumar v Bharati College.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh emphasized the seriousness of such offenses, categorizing them as an abuse of power and position. The court underscored the pivotal role teachers play in shaping students' minds, emphasizing the need to prevent the misuse of the entrusted power.
The court acknowledged the sacred nature of the teacher-student relationship, rooted in ancient traditions and literature. It highlighted the historical significance of this bond, emphasizing that teachers are not just conveyors of knowledge but also mentors who contribute to the holistic development of students.
These remarks were made in response to a plea filed by Dr. Amit Kumar, a professor at Delhi University’s Bharati College, who was suspended over allegations of sexual harassment by students. The court, in its decision, held that the University couldn't recover ₹6.42 lakh from Kumar, disputing that the amount had been paid to him before his suspension was officially approved by the Vice-Chancellor.
The court set aside the order for recovery, stating that the declared overpaid amount should not be collected from the petitioner. However, it ruled against granting increments as requested by Dr. Amit Kumar.
This case underscores the gravity of teacher-student sexual harassment, emphasizing the need for a safe and conducive environment in educational institutions. Advocates Vishwendra Verma, Shivali, and Archit Verma represented Dr. Amit Kumar, while Bharati College was legally represented by advocates Beenashaw N Soni, Mansi Jain, and Ann Joseph.
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