Mumbai Police Reject Bail Plea Against Professor Accused of Harassing 10 Students: What It Means for Workplace Safety

Mumbai Police Reject Bail Plea Against Professor Accused of Harassing 10 Students: What It Means for Workplace Safety

In a landmark decision that underscores the growing scrutiny of sexual misconduct in academic and professional settings, Mumbai police denied an anticipatory bail application filed by a 61‑year‑old visiting professor from Wardha. The officer, who was accused of sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of ten female students during a national conference at St Xavier’s College, is now facing detention pending trial. The case has ignited a debate on policy reforms, especially pertaining to sexual harassment workplace safety, and has sent shockwaves through student and employer communities, both in Mumbai and across India.

Background/Context

Sexual harassment in educational and workplace environments has surged to the forefront of public discourse in recent years. In 2020, the Ministry of Women and Child Development reported a 24% increase in complaints filed under the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (SHW) Act, indicating that the issue, once dismissed as a minority concern, is now a mainstream accountability requirement. The Maharashtra State Civil Service’s recent guidelines on Institutional Harassment Prevention, effective from January 1, 2025, mandate that all institutions set up grievance redressal mechanisms within 15 days of any complaint.

The incident at St Xavier’s follows a series of high‑profile cases across India, from the Delhi University campus in 2019 to the IT sector of Bangalore in 2022. These cases highlight a persistent lack of robust safety nets for victims, especially when the accused holds a position of trust. The current case brings into sharp focus how swiftly institutions and authorities are recalibrating their response mechanisms to prevent recurrence and ensure that victims feel supported.

Key Developments

On December 4, 2025, Azad Maidan police, after reviewing evidence and eyewitness statements, denied the anticipatory bail requested by the professor. The police emphasized that the allegations involved “sexual misconduct” and “outraging the modesty” of students, pointing to the seriousness of the charges and citing potential communal sensitivities due to differing religious backgrounds between the accused and the complainants.

According to the police report, the professor allegedly:

• Photographed female students without consent during the conference.
• Taken unauthorised selfies with some attendees.
• Engaged in inappropriate physical contact with a retired female professor.

In response, the professor’s legal team argued that the FIR was “vague” and possibly motivated by a “personal grudge”. They also highlighted his extensive 35‑year career, absence of prior complaints, and current hospitalization for mental health issues. However, the police maintained that he had “perverted nature” that could endanger other women, and that evidence stored on his phone could be compromised if not seized immediately.

The Sessions Court is slated to issue an order on the bail plea next week. Meanwhile, St Xavier’s College has already terminated the professor’s engagement and is cooperating with investigators, underscoring a zero‑tolerance stance on harassment.

Impact Analysis

For international students and professionals, the case serves as a cautionary tale. Universities with large foreign student bodies must now scrutinize staff conduct more rigorously. Employers are also reevaluating their harassment policies, as the risk of litigation, reputational damage, and loss of trust rises sharply when incidents go unaddressed.

According to a 2024 survey by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), 62% of multinational companies in India had revised their workplace safety protocols after a similar incident. The survey found:

• 45% increased mandatory harassment training for all staff.
• 31% adopted anonymous reporting tools.
• 14% offered counseling services to at-risk employees.

These changes reflect a broader trend of proactive risk management. Students traveling abroad for education or work should note that universities now enforce stricter checks on faculty behavior, particularly those who interact with large groups or represent the institution publicly.

Expert Insights/Tips

What should student visa holders, short‑term researchers, and foreign faculty members do to protect themselves?

1. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with both local laws and institutional policies on sexual harassment. The Ministry of Women and Child Development website offers downloadable guidelines and victim support contacts.

2. Maintain documentation: Keep a log of interactions, especially in professional or academic settings. Email trails, meeting minutes, or recordings (where legally permitted) can provide evidence if an allegation arises.

3. Use reporting hotlines: Many Indian universities now manage anonymous hotlines. Report any uncomfortable or inappropriate behavior immediately, even if you fear retaliation.

4. Seek support networks: For international students, the Society for International Students (SIS) and campus international student centers provide counseling and legal references.

5. Understand visa implications: While a conviction for sexual harassment can jeopardise a student or researcher visa in many countries, the current case underlines that even an allegation, if substantiated, may lead to long‑term reputational damage that could affect future visa applications.

Looking Ahead

The denial of bail could set a significant precedent for subsequent cases involving academic and corporate harassment. Experts predict that:

• More institutions will integrate behavioural analytics into hiring and promotion processes to flag potential red flags.
• Government agencies may implement stricter vetting protocols for individuals in high‑visibility roles.
• International consulates will likely issue advisories urging their nationals to ensure work environments meet safety standards before accepting positions in India.

Policy makers are also considering amendments to the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, possibly introducing mandatory reporting of all complaints within 48 hours of the incident. If adopted, this could tighten the window for institutions to rectify unsafe conditions and provide timely support to victims.

As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders will watch closely to see how the judiciary balances the rights of the accused with the imperative of safeguarding women’s dignity in professional spaces. The outcome could reshape not only institutional policies but also how international students navigate safety in foreign academic settings.

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