Why Campus ICCs Fail and What Must Change for Fair Redressal

Internal Complaints Committees often fail sexual harassment survivors; stronger oversight and transparency are needed.

The tragic case of a second-year Integrated B.Ed student at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore has once again raised questions about the functioning of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs). The student allegedly set herself on fire after ICC members prepared a “biased report” that blamed her following her complaint of sexual harassment against a professor.

ICCs were mandated under the University Grants Commission’s Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions Regulations, 2015. In principle, these committees are meant to ensure fair and transparent handling of complaints. In practice, however, many institutions fail to follow the rules, leaving survivors vulnerable and justice denied.

What’s Not Working

While the legal framework is clear, multiple gaps hinder implementation:

1. Lack of Monitoring and Accountability – Without oversight from higher authorities, ICCs often function unchecked.

2. Disguised Committees – To avoid drawing attention to harassment, some institutions label ICCs under vague titles like “Women Welfare Committee,” diluting their purpose.

3. Poor Visibility – Many campuses fail to publicise the existence of their ICCs, violating legal requirements. Names, contact details, and emails of members are not displayed in visible places such as canteens, libraries, and washrooms.

4. Biased Proceedings – Internal pressures, fear of professional repercussions, and lack of training often compromise impartiality. The role of external members, meant to ensure fairness, is frequently undermined.

   
   

What Must Change

Experts argue that reform is urgent and must include:

• Stronger Monitoring: A higher authority should regularly review ICCs to ensure compliance with UGC regulations.

• Transparency: Institutes must prominently display ICC details and provide accessible reporting mechanisms.

• Awareness Campaigns: Students and staff should be educated about the committee’s role and their rights.

• Empowering External Members: Strengthening their role can help safeguard impartiality in sensitive cases.

• Regular Training: Committee members should undergo mandatory training to handle complaints ethically and fairly.

  
  

Towards Safer Campuses

For ICCs to be effective, institutions must treat them not as a formality but as a critical safeguard for students and staff. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and survivor-centric practices will help campuses move closer to their legal and moral responsibility—creating safer and more equitable educational spaces.