Ahmedabad: A former in-charge registrar of the Gujarat Technological University (GTU) has challenged the findings of an internal inquiry committee that found him guilty of sexually harassing a female faculty member. The move has prompted the university to form a four-member appellate committee, with the vice chancellor at the helm, to review his defence.
The appellate committee, which also includes the chairman of the internal inquiry committee, a senior professor and a governing board member, will review the case and submit its recommendations to the GTU governing board for final disciplinary action.
The female faculty member from GTU’s School of Engineering and Technology had lodged a sexual harassment complaint against Panchal, the department director, On July 5. After approximately five months, the varsity administration issued a show-cause notice to Panchal on Nov 27. The internal inquiry committee then submitted its report, establishing Panchal’s prima facie guilt in sexually harassing the woman professor. Officials indicated that the investigation revealed concerning aspects of Panchal’s character based on the complainant’s allegations.
The female professor’s complaint detailed workplace harassment by Panchal, affecting both her employment and PhD progress. She stated that he would allegedly visit her cabin when she was alone, discussing work-related and personal matters, attempting to gain her trust by expressing feelings of isolation and suicidal thoughts.
According to her complaint, Panchal sexually harassed her during the final stages of the PhD, claiming the VC also would not intervene in the matter.
After she firmly rejected his advances in 2022, his demeanour allegedly changed. She alleged that he resorted to stalking, blackmail, and even coercion through other staff members to force a compromise.
On Dec 16, 2022, Panchal allegedly messaged her about visiting a hotel for her PhD, followed by 10 to 25 daily messages, causing her significant mental distress.
Ahmedabad: A former in-charge registrar of the Gujarat Technological University (GTU) has challenged the findings of an internal inquiry committee that found him guilty of sexually harassing a female faculty member. The move has prompted the university to form a four-member appellate committee, with the vice chancellor at the helm, to review his defence.
The appellate committee, which also includes the chairman of the internal inquiry committee, a senior professor and a governing board member, will review the case and submit its recommendations to the GTU governing board for final disciplinary action.
The female faculty member from GTU’s School of Engineering and Technology had lodged a sexual harassment complaint against Panchal, the department director, On July 5. After approximately five months, the varsity administration issued a show-cause notice to Panchal on Nov 27. The internal inquiry committee then submitted its report, establishing Panchal’s prima facie guilt in sexually harassing the woman professor. Officials indicated that the investigation revealed concerning aspects of Panchal’s character based on the complainant’s allegations.
The female professor’s complaint detailed workplace harassment by Panchal, affecting both her employment and PhD progress. She stated that he would allegedly visit her cabin when she was alone, discussing work-related and personal matters, attempting to gain her trust by expressing feelings of isolation and suicidal thoughts.
According to her complaint, Panchal sexually harassed her during the final stages of the PhD, claiming the VC also would not intervene in the matter.
After she firmly rejected his advances in 2022, his demeanour allegedly changed. She alleged that he resorted to stalking, blackmail, and even coercion through other staff members to force a compromise.
On Dec 16, 2022, Panchal allegedly messaged her about visiting a hotel for her PhD, followed by 10 to 25 daily messages, causing her significant mental distress.
