The Management Council of the varsity in their report passed the order to accept the suggestion of ICC partially and have held one increment and promotion of Dr. Mahendra Bhaware for one year
In what could be an attempt to show leniency towards alleged sexual harassment charges against an associate professor found guilty by the Women Development Cell of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), the Mumbai University (MU) partially accepted the suggestions of ICC and passed an order to only hold one increment and promotion for a year instead of holding the punishment for five years of the professor as suggested by the ICC of the varsity.
DNA on January 16 had reported about 'Another Mumbai University prof guilty of sexual harassment, no action taken yet' in which the report of WDC's ICC had stated that a complaint was forwarded by a student through the Board of College and University Development (BCUD) against Dr. Mahendra Bhaware, associate professor, department of Marathi of the varsity. The victim first had informed about the sexual harassment to Dr. Bharati Nirgudkar, head of the department. Moreover, a written statement of a masters student from 2013-2015 and an M.Phil student was recorded by the WDC which confirmed the harassment. One PhD student also spoke to the ICC about experiencing sexual harassment from Dr. Bhaware.
WDC after finding Dr. Bhaware guilty, the ICC had recommended to the varsity that - If the appointment of Bhaware is permanent, then to stop his promotions and increments for a minimum of five years and to not allow him to hold any position of authority for the same time period. If the appointment of Dr. Bhaware is contractual then, the contract should be immediately terminated and should not be considered for any renewal.
The order (a copy of which is with DNA) passed by the Management Council of the varsity states, "After detailed discussion, it was resolved that the report of Internal Complaint Committee be accepted partially and in accordance therewith one increment and promotion of Dr. Bhaware be with held for one year. Further, it was resolved that Dr. Bhaware be not allowed to hold any position in any University Authorities/ Bodies/ Committees for one year.
"It is unfair that the varsity has taken a dubious stand and is showing leniency to a sexual harasser. We will protest against the order if it is not accepted as suggested by the ICC. I live in constant fear as he works in the same department in which I am working. The varsity officials are trying to shield the professor.", said the victim.
Dinesh Kamble, Registrar for the varsity, said, "We had taken the issue in the management council meeting. The order has been passed as per the discussions which were kept forward."
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