In the heart of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Amar Singh College—a venerable institution with over a century of academic legacy—has become the epicenter of a pressing controversy. On May 7, 2026, allegations of verbal harassment against a female student by the Head of the Department of Media Studies, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmad Lone, sparked widespread student protests on campus. What began as a single complaint quickly escalated into demands for accountability, prompting swift administrative responses and government intervention. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of ensuring student safety in Indian higher education institutions, particularly in ensuring robust mechanisms to address workplace harassment.

The college, affiliated with the University of Kashmir, promptly disassociated the accused faculty member from academic duties and initiated an internal inquiry. However, the Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department escalated matters by ordering a comprehensive probe and suspending the principal, Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Hakak, along with an assistant professor. These actions highlight the delicate balance between immediate redressal and procedural fairness amid public outcry.

📜 A Storied Institution Under Scrutiny

Established in 1913 during the Dogra rule and formally inaugurated by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1914, Amar Singh College stands as one of Jammu and Kashmir's oldest degree colleges. Named after Raja Amar Singh, father of Maharaja Hari Singh, it evolved from the Hindu High School and a technical institute, offering undergraduate programs in science, arts, and commerce. Its iconic red-brick architecture, restored post-2014 floods with UNESCO recognition, symbolizes resilience amid regional turmoil.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a legacy of producing notable alumni in public service, academia, and beyond, the college enrolls thousands of students annually. Yet, this heritage now faces a test: safeguarding its community from internal threats like harassment, which can erode trust and academic focus.

The Incident Unfolds: Allegations and Student Outrage

The controversy ignited when a female student accused Dr. Lone of verbal harassment, with unverified reports suggesting ongoing communication via WhatsApp spanning four months. Details remain sensitive, but the complaint triggered a spontaneous student demonstration, halting classes temporarily. Protesters demanded the professor's removal and a thorough investigation, raising slogans for justice and campus safety.

Principal Hakak addressed the gathering, assuring that classwork would resume post-resolution and confirming the complaint's receipt. Videos circulating on social media captured the charged atmosphere, amplifying calls for transparency.

College's Immediate Response: Inquiry and Leadership Shuffle

By late May 7, the principal issued Order No. ASC/26/1030, disassociating Dr. Lone from all departmental academic affairs pending inquiry. The Proctorial Board was tasked with a time-bound probe, required to submit findings within 48 hours. Prof. Nusrat Sayed was appointed interim head to ensure continuity.

This move pacified protesters initially, but scrutiny intensified over the handling of the unrest, including reports of outsiders mingling with students—prompting questions on security protocols.

Government Steps In: Suspensions and Deeper Probe

Recognizing the incident's gravity, the Higher Education Department ordered a week-long in-depth inquiry. In a bold escalation, the principal and an assistant professor faced suspension, linked to lapses during the protests. Education Minister Sakeena Itoo termed it a 'sensitive issue,' emphasizing zero tolerance while urging restraint to avoid prejudicing the process. The report will guide further disciplinary measures, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for such violations. For official details, visit the Amar Singh College website.

Stakeholder Voices: Solidarity and Calls for Fairness

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) voiced solidarity with the complainant, demanding a fair, impartial probe while cautioning against social media vigilantism. 'Educational spaces must be free from intimidation,' they stated, urging protection for the victim and due process for the accused.

Students highlighted the emotional toll, with many sharing fears of reprisal. Faculty emphasized POSH compliance, noting the college's code of conduct mandates zero tolerance for harassment.

Understanding POSH: India's Legal Shield Against Harassment

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013—commonly known as POSH Act—was enacted post-Vishaka guidelines to combat workplace sexual harassment, including educational institutions. It defines harassment broadly: unwelcome physical contact, demands for favors, sexually colored remarks, or pornography display.

Key mandates include forming an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in organizations with 10+ employees, comprising senior women, NGO reps, and lawyers. Complaints trigger inquiry within 90 days, with appeals and penalties up to termination. UGC regulations enforce this in higher education, requiring annual ICC reports. Learn more via the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Harassment in Indian Higher Education: Alarming Statistics

Despite POSH, underreporting plagues campuses. A 2022 survey across HEIs found 79% of women faced harassment, yet only 10% reported. UGC data shows rising filings: from 2015-2023, cases in universities surged 45%, per decadal analyses, but conviction rates hover below 30% due to delays.

In J&K, cultural conservatism amplifies stigma, with 2024 reports noting 20% unreported campus incidents. Nationally, premier institutes like IITs and DUs report dozens annually, e.g., IIT Madras's 15 cases in 2025. A CEDA study highlights corporate parallels, with complaints doubling post-2013, signaling awareness gains but implementation gaps.

Explore trends in this Ashoka University analysis.

Implementation Challenges: Gaps in Campus Safety

• Inadequate Training: Many ICCs lack sensitization; 40% of colleges report untrained members.
• Victim Retaliation Fears: Anonymity absent, leading to 66% non-reporting per surveys.
• Resource Shortfalls: Rural/J&K institutions struggle with NGO involvement.
• Cultural Barriers: In conservative regions, victims face family ostracism.

Step-by-step POSH process: File complaint → ICC inquiry → Report to disciplinary authority → Interim relief → Appeal to court if needed.

Broader Impacts: On Students, Faculty, and Reputation

Such incidents disrupt academics, heighten anxiety—especially for women comprising 48% of enrollments—and tarnish institutional prestige. At Amar Singh, protests halted classes, affecting exams. Long-term, they deter enrollment, impacting funding.

Stakeholders lose: Students' mental health suffers (25% report depression post-incident); faculty morale dips amid suspicion; administrators face scrutiny.

Path Forward: Solutions for Safer Campuses

• Strengthen ICCs with mandatory annual audits.
• Mandatory POSH workshops for all.
• Anonymous reporting apps integrated with counseling.
• Collaborate with NGOs for external probes.
• Gender sensitization curricula.

Recent UGC directives mandate updated ICC data and awareness drives, a step toward compliance. Institutions like DU exemplify via 24/7 helplines.

Reference UGC guidelines here.

Photo by Johan Milson Kamaong on Unsplash

Outlook: Building Trust in J&K Higher Education

As the probe concludes, Amar Singh College eyes restoration. J&K's HE sector, recovering post-Article 370, must prioritize safety for growth. Proactive reforms could position it as a model, fostering environments where learning thrives sans fear. With student voices amplified, change seems imminent.