The Madras High Court has resolved a plea filed by students from Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, under the Kalakshetra Foundation, who sought the establishment of safety policies and redressal mechanisms. Justice Anita Sumanth noted that there was no need for further directions, as the college had already finalized the Gender Neutral Policy for the Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal of Sexual Harassment complaints. The court also highlighted the reconstitution of the Internal Complaints Committee, indicating the fulfillment of the students’ sought reliefs.
While recognizing the implemented policies, the court expressed concern over the institution’s delayed response to the students’ allegations, terming it a “blight on Kalakshetra.” Emphasizing the expectations of stakeholders in the education system to meet societal norms and system expectations, the court stressed the importance of addressing such issues promptly for the reputation of Kalakshetra.
The court acknowledged the necessity of expediting the inquiry into the students’ allegations, emphasizing the importance of reaching a logical conclusion. It underscored the critical role played by addressing such issues promptly for maintaining the reputation of Kalakshetra, whether adhering to traditional or modern practices in the education system.
The court directed the foundation to frame policies and establish a complaints committee in its schools. Noting the inadequacy of the present policy, the court mandated drafting a comprehensive policy, incorporating provisions under the POCSO Act and other regulations, within six months.
The court reviewed the Independent Committee’s report, headed by Justice K Kannan, urging the management to promptly consider recommendations. These included a ban on students entering teachers’ quarters, discouraging participation in tours, emphasizing higher learning, automating office administration, and selecting efficient administrators with HR management skills.
Kalakshetra Controversy: Allegations, Investigations, and Institutional Response
The controversy began when Leela Samson, the former director of Kalakshetra Foundation, making allegations on her Facebook account against an unidentified teacher. In December 2022, students reportedly sharing comparable incidents of sexual harassment conducted a protest, leading to the arrest of a faculty member. Media outlets like News Minute and The Print published articles discussing the teacher-student relationship at Kalakshetra, particularly implicating Hari Padman and asserting students encountered inappropriate conduct. However, a report by News 18 indicated that the teacher’s actions were consistent with the institution’s disciplinary culture.
Following anonymous social media posts, allegations of sexual harassment against Haripadman prompted the Director, Revathy Ramachandran, to establish an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) for investigation. Despite no formal complaint, she initiated a suo moto inquiry, with the ICC, led by Revathi Ramachandran, determining the accusations were baseless rumors. The National Commission for Women and the ICC cleared Hari Padman, prompting the closure of the case, citing a lack of evidence and the victim’s denial of harassment. The Kalakshetra Foundation also presented ICC findings to the DGP, affirmed a comprehensive investigation found no substantiation of sexual harassment claims circulated on social media.
As per media report, in the case of sexual harassment allegations at Kalakshetra institution, the Director's clarification and the internal complaints committee report did not find any evidence of sexual harassment on campus. @sharmarekha
— NCW (@NCWIndia) March 25, 2023
But students argued that the institution failed to take responsibility, rejecting complaints based on the expiry of the three-month time limit under The Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH). Instead of addressing the issue and suspending the accused professor, the institution dismissed the complaints. The court had previously instructed the college not to take adverse action against students raising complaints.
(With Inputs From LiveLaw)
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