Delhi CM Criticised for Inaction in Medical College Sexual Harassment Case

New Delhi, Mar 28 - The ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged inaction in the removal of a principal from a state-run medical college in Delhi, accused of mishandling sexual harassment complaints, has escalated. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been under scrutiny since February 14 for not acting on a file recommending the principal's removal, as per Raj Niwas officials. This issue came to light following allegations of sexual harassment against women at the institution.

Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena had previously communicated with Kejriwal regarding this matter before Kejriwal's arrest on March 21. Saxena's note highlighted a lack of action in sensitive matters, including transfer/posting and vigilance, attributed to Kejriwal's inaction. In response, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized Saxena for taking unilateral actions against officers without consulting the chief minister.

Bharadwaj, in a note to the Lt Governor dated March 20, called for the immediate removal of the principal, accusing him of being uncooperative and discouraging towards the victims. Following this, Saxena directed both the Delhi Police and the chief secretary to expedite proceedings against the accused.

The dispute also involves Bharadwaj's request for the transfer of the principal and the Head of the Department of Pharmacology, which has been pending since February 14 due to Kejriwal's position as chairman of NCCSA. Despite reminders, the proposal remains unaddressed.

Bharadwaj clarified that the file mentioned by Saxena includes transfers of 17 medical directors and superintendents, with the principal's name among them. He emphasized that it was a routine file unrelated to the sexual harassment case.

The controversy stems from an incident on January 31, where a professor allegedly made obscene remarks and attempted inappropriate contact with two MBBS students. Despite filing complaints on February 1, no action was taken, leading to police involvement and FIRs registered on February 22.

Bharadwaj learned about the case through social media on March 18 and immediately met with the victims. He accused the principal of protecting the guilty professor and pressuring students to withdraw their complaints.

In his communication with authorities, Bharadwaj questioned the delay in receiving a report from the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) formed in early February. He also highlighted that transfers within the health department do not require NCCSA approval and urged immediate action against guilty officials based on health secretary's authority.

This case has sparked significant concern over the handling of sexual harassment allegations within educational institutions and raised questions about administrative procedures and accountability in addressing such serious issues.