HC seeks JNU response to plea challenging clean chit to prof

New Delhi: The Delhi high court on Friday sought JNU's response on a plea challenging the clean chit given by its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to one of its professors accused of sexually harassing several women students. Justice Suresh Kait issued notice to the university and the professor in question and sought their replies to the plea filed by the women, who have sought his suspension and removal from the campus. The ICC report of July 23 last year followed the high court's May 29 direction to the committee to find out whether a prima facie case of misconduct was made out against the professor, Atul Johri, to suspend him from the JNU. The May 29 order had come on an earlier plea moved by the complainants, represented by advocate Vrinda Grover, seeking suspension of the professor against whom 8 FIRs have been lodged alleging sexual harassment. Justice Kait, on Friday, observed that since ICC has filed its report pursuant to the court's May 29, 2018 order, nothing survived in the earlier petition and it was disposed of. In the fresh petition, which the court is expected to hear next on May 3, the women have sought setting aside of the ICC report on the ground that it contravened the scope and terms laid down by the HC in its May 29 direction.