Representative image PRAYAGRAJ: A teacher being in a consensual relationship with his student amounts to misconduct but not sexual harassment, Allahabad high court has ruled, setting aside a 19-year-old dismissal order of a lecturer of Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj.Allowing a writ petition filed by the sacked lecturer, Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery, in his Dec 16 order, observed that while the petitioner may not have adhered to the high moral standards expected of a teacher, the extreme penalty of dismissal imposed on him in 2006 was shockingly disproportionate.The petitioner was appointed lecturer with the department of computer science and engineering in 1999. The institute took disciplinary action against him following a complaint lodged in 2003 by a former student, who had completed her master’s course in 2000. In her complaint, the student alleged emotional and physical harassment, and claimed that the lecturer had forced a physical relationship upon her during her student years. The complaint was filed three years after she left the institute and after the teacher’s engagement to another woman.A five-member committee constituted by MNNIT expressed reservations about adjudicating allegations of rape. Subsequently, a one-man inquiry commission headed by a retired judge was appointed. The petitioner admitted to having a relationship with the complainant, but maintained it was consensual and continued after she left the institute. On the basis of the report, the institute terminated his services on Feb 28, 2006.Challenging the termination, the lecturer contended that the disciplinary proceedings were vitiated by violation of principles of natural justice, particularly denial of the right to cross-examine witnesses. MNNIT authorities argued that a teacher occupies a position of trust and authority, and any intimate relationship with a student amounts to serious misconduct. The HC observed that the relationship appeared to be consensual and was not followed by any criminal action. It noted that the complaint appeared to have been triggered by the failure of a proposed marriage between the parties due to religious differences and parental opposition.About the AuthorRajesh Kumar PandeyA legal eagle stationed in Sangam city. Has been covering news reports originating out of Allahabad high court for TOI for over a decade. Have reported several landmark judgments, besides the visit of luminaries — from the PM to CJIs.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBangladesh Situation Remains Very Fluid as Unrest Grows Ahead of 2026 Elections: Journalist”Stop This Nonsense…”: Tharoor Lambasts Bangladesh Govt Over Lynching of Hindu ManEnd Of H-1B Lottery: Donald Trump Overhauls US Work Visa System Prioritising High Pay And SkillsISRO’s Heaviest Launch Yet: Five Reasons Why BlueBird-2 Marks India’s Big Leap In Global Space Race‘Mouths shut when Hindus are killed’: Yogi targets opposition in Assembly”We Are Not Safe…” Unnao Rape Victim’s Mother Manhandled, Protest StoppedIndian Travel Vlogger Anant Mittal Held In China, Comments On Arunachal Pradesh Trigger DetentionFrom Pride To Distress Sale: Pakistan Sells State-Owned PIA For Rs 135 Billion As Economy BucklesCalm With India, Weapons For Pakistan: Pentagon Report Warns Of China’s Strategic Balancing ActAssam’s Karbi Anglong Gripped By Violence, Internet Suspended As Anger Over ‘Encroachers’ Explodes123PhotostoriesFrom ‘My Secret Santa’ to ‘Meet Me Next Christmas’: Best Christmas movies to watch on OTT6 Christmas morning breakfast ideas that feel special without trying too hard2 easy recipes that lower blood pressure naturallyTotal number of Birkin bags owned by Jane Birkin: The answer will surprise you10 cheapest countries to visit with surprisingly low daily costs2026 Spiritual Guide For Your Birth Number: How to Strengthen Your Inner Self2025’s headline-grabbing star kids:Aryan Khan, Rasha Thadani, Shanaya Kapoor and more7 comforting winter raitas to add warmth to daily mealsMeet 7 birds of Indian forests that are also masters of camouflageYear ender 2025: Love anthems that ruled playlists from ‘Metro… In Dino’ to ‘Saiyara’123Hot PicksUAE WeatherPAN-Aadhaar linkingKarbi Anglong CurfewGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingTaylor SwiftPaul RuddPatrick MahomesMegan Thee Stallion Net Worth 2025Travis KelceJoel EmbiidSavannah James Net WorthSophie CunninghamDrew McIntyre and Kaitlyn Frohnapfel Net WorthKhamzat Chimaev
PRAYAGRAJ: A teacher being in a consensual relationship with his student amounts to misconduct but not sexual harassment, Allahabad high court has ruled, setting aside a 19-year-old dismissal order of a lecturer of Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj.Allowing a writ petition filed by the sacked lecturer, Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery, in his…
