'Justice will be served': JMI sacks contractual faculty member over arrest in sexual assault case

NEW DELHI: The Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has terminated the services an assistant professor (Contractual) after he was arrested in connection with a sexual assault complaint. The JMI faculty member was from the department of political science. The sexual assault complaint against the JMI faculty member was filed by a woman at the new friends colony police station.

As per the official statement, JMI has set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the POSH Act, 2013 (Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace: Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal). As per JMI, information regarding the ICC is ‘widely disseminated’ within the university to ensure accessibility for all stakeholders. JMI assured that it strictly adheres to the ethical guidelines outlined in the Act.

JMI's ‘zero-tolerance policy’ on violence against women

As per the official statement from the university, JMI administration acted immediately upon knowing about the faculty member’s arrest, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy toward any form of violence against women.

The Jamia Millia Islamia states, 'JMI follows a zero tolerance policy for any form of violence against women.' JMI clarified that the accused was a contractual employee and not a permanent faculty member, reinforcing its commitment to upholding ethical and professional standards.

JMI: Legal and institutional procedures

JMI affirmed that it fully supports the legal process and believes that justice will be served. The JMI stated that it does not condone any behavior that compromises the honor, dignity, and rights of women. The administration reiterated that the law would take its due course in addressing the case.

The JMI said, “Nonetheless, the university administration, conveying its severe denouncement of the grave crime placed him under termination, stating that any assault on the honor, dignity and rights of women will not be tolerated by JMI and that the university is sure that justice will be served as law will take its own course.

‘Gender sensitization workshops’ at JMI

As per the official statement, JMI regularly organizes gender sensitization workshops and lectures across various faculties, departments, and centers to foster awareness and prevention of harassment. These initiatives aim to educate students, faculty, and staff about the provisions of the POSH Act and promote a culture of respect and safety.

JMI assured that it remains dedicated to safeguarding the dignity and rights of women and will continue implementing necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.