Dr. Swaran Singh, a distinguished academic and former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), was dismissed from his position in early 2025 following serious allegations of sexual harassment involving a Japanese official from the Embassy of Japan. This decision came after a thorough investigation by JNU’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which found substantial evidence against him, including audio recordings.​

Dr. Singh held the position of Professor at the Centre for International Politics, Organization & Disarmament (CIPOD) within JNU’s School of International Studies. His academic journey began with a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Delhi, followed by an M.Phil. and Ph.D. in International Studies from JNU. Additionally, he earned a post-doctoral diploma in Conflict Resolution from Uppsala University in Sweden. His areas of expertise encompassed arms control and disarmament, conflict resolution and peace studies, India’s defense and nuclear policy, multilateralism, and Asian affairs, with a particular focus on China’s foreign and security policies. ​

Dr. Singh’s professional experience included serving as a research faculty member at the Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis in New Delhi from 1992 to 2001. He joined JNU in 2001 and later held significant roles such as the President of the Association of Asian Studies in 2006, General Secretary of the Indian Congress of Asian & Pacific Studies in 2008, and Chief Vigilance Officer at JNU from 2012 to 2014. ​

His scholarly contributions include co-editing several books and publishing numerous articles on topics related to international relations, regional security, and Asian geopolitics. Notably, he has authored works on China’s engagement with India’s neighboring island nations and the state of security studies in
The Allegations and Investigation
The incident that led to Dr. Singh’s dismissal occurred in May 2024, when a Japanese official from the Embassy of Japan lodged a complaint against him. The ICC initiated a comprehensive inquiry, adhering to JNU’s Policy Against Sexual Harassment, which is designed to provide a work and study environment free from sexual harassment, intimidation, or exploitation. ​
Jawaharlal Nehru University

The investigation was described as rigorous, allowing both parties to present witnesses. The committee’s findings included substantial evidence supporting the allegations, leading to Dr. Singh’s termination without benefits. The university’s decision underscores its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all members of its community.​

Institutional Context and Response
JNU has faced scrutiny over its handling of sexual harassment cases in recent years. Since the establishment of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in 2017, the university has recorded 151 sexual harassment complaints. While nearly 98% of these cases have been resolved, the lack of transparency regarding the nature of the complaints and the actions taken has been a point of contention. The decision to dismantle the Gender Sensitisation Committee Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH) in 2017 has been particularly controversial, with calls from various student and faculty groups for its reinstatement. ​

In response to the allegations against Dr. Singh, JNU’s administration emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe and equitable environment for all. The swift and decisive action taken in this case reflects the university’s dedication to upholding these principles.