Panel summons Punjabi University faculty over harassment complaint

The Punjab State Women Commission has summoned senior faculty members of Punjabi University, including Dean and Head of the Law Department, in connection with an alleged harassment at workplace complaint lodged by an assistant professor from the Punjab School of Law.

Among the others summoned are president of the Punjabi University Teachers’ Association Bhupinder Singh Virk, and former Registrar and Dean, Faculty of Law, Varinder Kaushik (retd). The two have been asked appear before the Commission on November 11.

The Commission took cognizance of a complaint, wherein the assistant professor said she was being pressured to withdraw earlier harassment complaints against Kaushik and Virk, accusing both of exploiting their positions.

While Kaushik was not available for comments, Virk strongly denied the allegation, terming them “baseless and disappointing.” He said he would appear before the Commission to present his case, adding that such allegations have caused “irreparable damage” to his reputation.

He said the allegations had already been examined by both the university’s internal committee and the police. “We have already submitted our statements before them,” said Virk.

Refuting allegations of victimisation or administrative interference, Virk said matters related to promotions and workload distribution are handled by a committee chaired by the Dean, Academic Affairs, and the Administrative Department Committee, in which he has no role.

The complainant, who was employed for the Bathinda regional centre, is currently teaching at Punjab School of Law. “I will also personally appear before the commission,” she said.