Pondicherry University Students Protest Over Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Faculty

A protest at Pondicherry University over alleged sexual harassment by faculty turned tense on October 9, 2025, leading to the detention of at least 10 students.

Students affiliated with the Students Federation of India (SFI) staged a demonstration demanding a “fair” inquiry into sexual harassment complaints on campus, specifically calling for the reconstitution of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), citing a lack of student representation and concerns that the existing panel was failing to provide justice.

Timeline of the Protest

October 9, night: Hundreds of students gathered outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office, blocking access and demanding action against two professors accused of sexual harassment.
Police intervention: Authorities were called to disperse the crowd after students refused to move from the Administrative Block, which is restricted under a court order banning protests within 100 meters.
Detentions: At least 24 students were taken into custody; six have since been released.

Allegations Against Faculty
The protest followed the emergence of two audio recordings allegedly implicating:
1. Dr. C Madhavaiah, Centre Head of the Karaikal campus
2. A Praveen, faculty member, Department of Physical Education and Sports

Claims include:

 Madhavaiah allegedly demanded nude photos from a female student, threatening to cut internal marks if she did not comply.
 The student reported ongoing harassment, including late-night calls and intimidation, impacting her studies and attendance.
 Audio recordings also include Praveen allegedly discussing the complaints with a colleague, attempting to downplay the issue.
Students allege that multiple individuals have been harassed and that administrative inaction has exacerbated the problem.

University Response

Pondicherry University has denied the allegations, stating:

•  “A team of senior officials visited the Karaikal campus and found the allegations to be untrue. The claims were based on an old audio file. The university has a robust mechanism to address student concerns and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment.”

• The administration also maintains that an inquiry was conducted and found no prima facie validity in the allegations.

Students’ Demands

• Protesting students and the SFI have called for:

• Reconstitution of the ICC to include student representatives, in line with UGC norms

• A transparent investigation into allegations against faculty

• Greater administrative accountability in handling sexual harassment complaints

• A delegation of Congress workers also met the Lieutenant Governor seeking intervention for a proper inquiry.

Current Situation

•  Students remain determined to continue the protest until their demands are met.

•  Police and administration are engaged in dialogue, but tensions remain.

•  The story is ongoing, with further updates expected as the university and authorities respond.

Key Takeaways

• Sexual harassment allegations at Pondicherry University have sparked widespread student protests.

• The ICC’s composition and effectiveness have been called into question.

• The university asserts that investigations found no evidence of misconduct, while students demand transparency and reform.

•  Police have intervened, resulting in detentions, highlighting the escalating tension on campus.

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