The Delhi High Court has set aside the suspension of Professor Rasal Singh, Principal of Delhi University’s Ramanujan College, ruling that the decision could not be sustained in law.

The Court held that the suspension order was stigmatic and had been issued prematurely, without following the procedure prescribed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. It noted that the action was based on the findings of an ad hoc fact-finding committee, which has no statutory backing under the POSH framework.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav underscored that only the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) or the Local Committee constituted under the Act is competent to inquire into allegations of sexual harassment. Any parallel or extra-statutory mechanism, the Court observed, runs contrary to both the scheme of the law and principles of natural justice.

The Court also took exception to the wording of the suspension order, observing that references to “serious misconduct and harassment” created a prejudicial impact against the principal even before a lawful inquiry was conducted, thereby diluting the presumption of innocence.

The matter stemmed from complaints of sexual harassment lodged by three assistant professors in 2025. A fact-finding committee set up by Delhi University described the allegations as serious and referred the issue to the ICC. Relying on this report, the college placed the principal under suspension in September 2025, prompting him to approach the High Court.

While quashing the suspension, the Court clarified that an employer does have the authority to suspend an employee during the pendency of an inquiry. However, such power must be exercised in a legally compliant manner and with due application of mind.

The petition was accordingly allowed, and the suspension order was quashed.