Student complains against Sathyabama University VC over 'gender segregation'; Lokpal dismisses case

The Lokpal of India has dismissed a complaint filed against the Vice-Chancellor of Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, citing the lack of jurisdiction. The complaint alleged that the university enforced gender segregation in classrooms, preventing male and female students from sitting together.

It further claimed that this practice amounted to gender discrimination and caused mental distress among students who questioned the policy. According to the official order, students and their parents were allegedly intimidated and pressured to withdraw complaints, facing warnings of potential academic consequences, including being barred from examinations.

“The complainant further alleges that the institute has intimidated students and their parents to withdraw the complaint, threatening them with academic repercussions such as not being allowed to write exams,” the official order said.

The complainant had sought protection from such actions and requested permission to appear for upcoming exams without obstruction.

Procedural lapses identified by Lokpal

While reviewing the complaint, the Lokpal Registry pointed out several procedural lapses. These included the absence of a notarised affidavit, missing supporting documents, and an unsigned statement of allegations. The complaint was also received through the online portal without a signed physical copy, which is required for verification.

“The complainant has provided particulars/ list of documents; however, he has not enclosed supporting documents with the complaint form. However, only 1 document is attached which is provided at S.No.3 in this column (S.No.12 of Part-C of the complaint form),” the order said.

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State officials outside Lokpal jurisdiction

The Lokpal bench, comprising Justice L Narayana Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav, Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, and Member Pankaj Kumar, noted that even if time were granted to rectify the procedural defects, it would serve no purpose, as the officials concerned are state employees.

The Lokpal formally closed and disposed of the complaint, advising the complainant to pursue the grievance before the competent state authority or forum, if so advised.