Recently, the Gujarat High Court, in a suo motu case addressing accusations of rape and harassment against a queer student at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), directed the General Council of the University to review the findings of the fact-finding committee. The committee's report uncovered several deficiencies within GNLU's administration.

Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha Mayee, presiding over the bench, emphasized that the committee's findings have raised significant concerns that demand urgent attention from the General Council.

"The Committee has given findings inter alia that the GNLU authorities want to cover up such issues, which are likely to bring disrepute to the institution and that they are more concerned about the reputation of the GNLU rather than plight of the victim. The students were highly critical of the role played by the Faculty, Member of the Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) and the Female Warden," the order stated.

In referencing the conclusions of the court-appointed fact-finding committee, the Bench highlighted that a mere 8.8 percent of GNLU students were acquainted with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and its complaint procedures. Additionally, it observed that only 26.5 percent of the students were aware of the Students Welfare and Grievances Redressal Committee.

The judges remarked that these findings suggest a lack of extensive awareness or sensitization programs conducted by the committees, or that they may primarily exist only in theory rather than in active practice. The judges expressed their opinion that it is essential to scrutinize the involvement of the University authorities in the entire incident. 

The next hearing for the matter is scheduled for April 4th.

Advocate Krina Calla appeared as Amicus Curiae.

Assistant Government Pleader Krutik Parikh represented the State.

Senior Advocate Kamal Trivedi along with Advocate Dharmishta Raval represented GNLU.