Prayagraj, Aug 22 The Allahabad High Court has stayed further inquiry against an IIT Kanpur professor under the POSH Act during the pendency of a special appeal before it.
Hearing a special appeal filed by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, a bench of justices SD Singh and Swarupama Chaturvedi passed the order.
An intern had alleged that during summer research, the professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering made available to her an objectionable thing, which she described as a "sex toy".
According to the professor's counsel, the research project involved study of vibration to facilitate non-verbal communication described as "Arm-band Vibration Communication Gadget" being developed for the armed forces and silent operations.
The girl was given a project related to vibration bands. It included research into the functioning and utility of vibration bands.
The counsel submitted that the gadget may never be described as "sex toy" and possible use to which an object may be put may not govern occurrence of sexual harassment.
In its order dated August 20, the bench observed, "Matter requires consideration. Parties may exchange further affidavits. Until further order of the court, the operation and effect of the impugned judgment dated January 05, 2026 to the extent further inquiry has been permitted to be conducted during the pendency of this appeal shall remain stayed."
