The Internal Complaints Committee
Internal complaints committee is a body appointed to handle the well documented (Sexual Harassment on Campus — A Reality Check | by TSA-Admin | The Scholars’ Avenue (scholarsavenue.org)) issue of the rising instances of sexual offences against women on campus.
Here’s all you need to know about the Internal Complaints Committee (now Internal Committee):
In compliance with the direction of the Supreme Court of India, to curb the increasing incidences of violence and offence against women on campus, IIT Kharagpur had established the Standing Committee on Women Cell in 2001. Originally called the Internal Complaints Committee, it now goes by the name Internal Committee.
FAQs
What does the cell do?
This cell undertakes inquiries concerning complaints of sexual harassment from aggrieved women. The complaint is kept totally confidential, and adequate protection is provided to the complainant, where necessary. Complaints are heard expeditiously while adhering to the principles of Natural Justice. Thereafter, necessary recommendations are provided to the Authority based on the findings of the inquiry.
What constitutes an offence?
The following unwelcome acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication) namely:
- Physical contact or advances
2. A demand or request for sexual favours
3. Making sexually coloured remarks
4. Showing pornography
5. Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
The following circumstances, among other circumstances, if it occurs or is present in relation to or connected with any act or behaviour of sexual harassment may amount to sexual harassment:
1. Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in her employment
2. Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in her employment
3. Implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status
4. Interference with her work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work or environment for her
5. Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety.
How does one register their complaint?
The victims are advised to contact, in person or through telephone/written request/e-mail, any of the committee members of the Cell as soon as they can.
Alternatively, an e-mail can be sent to icc@iitkgp.ac.in. The complaint and the identity of the complainant shall be confidential.
Who constitutes the cell?
Find them in the image below. These are the current members, however, there might be changes made soon.
Does the cell only address complaints from women?
The cell addresses complaints from women in regards to sexual harassment and related issues. All forms of sexual harassment can be reported.
Does the cell undertake activities pertaining to the prevention and prohibition of sexual offences?
The committee holds seminars to spread awareness regarding sexual harassment and the measures you can take to file complaints.
What authority does the cell have?
The cell cannot take action by itself but it will send in a report to the appellate authority comprising the deputy director and other professors. The cell can suggest actions to the campus authorities based on the evidence obtained. The punishments meted out include expelling students from the institute, suspension lasting a semester/year, dismissal from job (for employees of the institute) etc incumbent on the seriousness of the offence.
Was the cell recently formed?
It was established years ago. Owing to the lack of sufficient awareness regarding it, measures are being undertaken to inform the students about the same.
How many cases has the Cell successfully dealt with since its inception?
The committee does not have the authority to disclose names/cases and thus providing data regarding its past operations would not be possible. However, rest assured that it has dealt with cases before and has been fully active in catering to the issues raised.
Does the cell also address cases pertaining to online harassment?
Abuse that happens online is harder to substantiate with proof because the culprit could do it anonymously or under somebody else’s identity and therefore, instead of the cell dealing directly, the victim will be provided help and guidance in approaching the cybercrime authorities. However, cases of harassment over texts have been dealt with on campus before.
Source(s): Saumyata Khandelwal, (Institue’s Women Representative) and Internal Committee’s Facebook page
