HSCW Chairperson Renu W Bhatia (L) and Prof Sameena Dalwai (R) (X and Quint)
Two weeks following a warning issued by OP Jindal University to Professor Sameena Dalwai over allegations of discriminating against Hindu students, the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) has reportedly urged the initiation of an FIR against the professor in connection with the dating app privacy violation case. Notably, Professor Dalwai failed to appear before the commission on December 6.
The HSCW emphasised that the “safety, security, and dignity of the female students cannot be compromised with merely because she has chosen not to appear before the commission.”
Dalwai’s breach of student’s privacy
In September, Professor Dalwai breached the privacy of a student in the classroom by accessing their Bumble dating app account. Shockingly, Dalwai projected the student’s private account onto a smart TV in a classroom filled with fellow students. The incident has raised serious concerns about the violation of privacy and the potential impact on the affected student’s well-being.
The Haryana State Commission for Women’s call for legal action underscores the gravity of the situation and the need to address such privacy breaches in educational institutions. The case continues to unfold, with the university, the commission, and concerned stakeholders closely monitoring developments.
Organiser’s reportage and Women Commission’s action
On November 4, Organiser published a report detailing the controversial actions of Professor Sameena Dalwai, highlighting how she violated the privacy of students and exhibited inappropriate behaviour towards those with specific ideological beliefs. In response to the report and the subsequent outcry from students, against Prof Dalwai and those who raised Pro-Palestine slogans on campus, the Haryana State Women Commission took cognizance of the matter. Chairperson Renu W Bhatia visited the campus on November 7 and, after her assessment, validated the allegations outlined by students. She assured that strict measures would be taken against the professor.
After State Women Commission chairperson Bhatia visited the campus, she shared a post on her official X account, emphasising the gravity of the accusations and the blatant disregard for the privacy of numerous students. She also made reference to the emails sent by Professor Dalwai, who is the daughter of Congress leader Hussain Dalwai. (a detailed report by Organiser on her visit can be read here)
Dalwai skips HSCW hearing on dating-app privacy violation allegations
The controversy surrounding Professor Sameena Dalwai, accused of breaching students’ privacy in the dating-app case, took a new turn as the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) ordered her to appear before it on December 6. However, Dalwai opted to skip the hearing, sending her lawyer in her place.
HSCW Chair Renu Bhatia rejected the plea made by Dalwai’s lawyer, who sought permission for the professor to appear through video conference. This marks the second instance of Dalwai failing to attend the hearing, raising questions about her cooperation with the investigation.
In an email to the commission on December 6, Dalwai purportedly expressed the assumption that the case had been closed, citing the university’s issuance of an action-taken report. She argued that her request for a video conference demonstrated her willingness to cooperate in good faith.
HSCW Chairperson Bhatia had taken cognizance of the incident earlier and conducted interviews with 180 students. The commission, unsatisfied with Dalwai’s non-compliance, wrote a letter to the Sonepat Commission of Police on December 6, asserting that creating a fake account in the name of a known political figure like Rahul Gandhi constituted “cheating, dishonesty, and impersonation.”
The HSCW emphasised having solid evidence, including video recordings of students testifying before the commission, supporting their claims of misconduct by the professor. Students, bravely coming forward to share their experiences, have exposed what the commission describes as an egregious act.
On November 13, Vice-Chancellor Professor C Raj Kumar issued a show-cause notice to Dalwai, stating, “You (Sameena Dalwai) have failed in exercising due diligence and acted irresponsibly, thereby failing the university in its promise to create a safe space for its students.” Kumar acknowledged Dalwai’s recognition of the mistake and issued a warning, emphasising the university’s intolerance for such acts in the future.
OP Jindal Global University Row
OP Jindal Global University in Haryana finds itself entangled in a controversy involving Professor Sameena Dalwai, and has gained attention for expressing support for Hamas and her stance against ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans on campus. The controversy took a new turn as Dr. Dalwai faced allegations of breaching student privacy, sparking calls for action against her.
After delivering a lecture on campus expressing solidarity with Palestine, Dr. Dalwai maintained her position that Hamas did not commit atrocities against Israeli civilians, dismissing such claims as ‘fake news spread by Indian troll armies.’ She expressed disappointment in India’s response and highlighted the challenges faced by those, including herself, who often face online trolling for their views.
Dr. Dalwai emphasised the university’s commitment to diverse opinions, contrasting it with negative reactions from other institutions. Despite the campus being a venue for various right-wing events, she chooses a path of silence in the pursuit of peace, even when confronted with opposing views.
In a widely circulated email, Dr. Dalwai addressed the chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ on campus, acknowledging right-wing events but choosing to remain silent to maintain peace.
However, amid these statements, videos and screenshots from college group chats have surfaced, alleging Dr. Dalwai’s intrusion into students’ privacy. Accusations include accessing a student’s Bumble dating application during a class session, opening the profile, and engaging in a detailed discussion about it.
An anonymous student from OP Jindal Global University spoke with Organiser on November 4, shedding light on Dr. Sameena’s behaviour towards students. The student claimed instances of derogatory language and verbal abuse, including instructing a female student to stop attending class with the assurance of free attendance in return.
Further allegations suggest discriminatory practices by Dr. Dalwai based on students’ ideological views, insisting on specific answers and interpretations of case studies.
In November, the university organised a talk titled ‘The History and Politics of the Palestinian Present’ by Professor Achin Vanaik, which drew criticism for anti-semitic and anti-Hindu statements. A controversial email from Dr. Dalwai emerged, objecting to those who opposed the lecture.
The controversy continues to unfold, raising questions about academic freedom, privacy, and the overall campus environment at OP Jindal Global University.
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