The Karnataka High Court has cancelled the reinstatement of Dr. Ashwin Hebbar, an associate professor accused of sexually harassing medical students, labeling him a 'wolf in a white coat.'

Key Takeaways

  • Karnataka HC cancelled the reinstatement of SIMS Professor Dr. Ashwin Hebbar.
  • The Court labeled the accused as "a wolf in a white coat."
  • Disciplinary action recommended against SIMS Director and Principal Secretary.
  • The Court ordered strict disciplinary proceedings and potential license cancellation.

Bengaluru: In a scathing judgment, the Karnataka High Court has struck down the administrative order reinstating Dr. Ashwin Hebbar, an associate professor at the Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS). Dr. Hebbar faces multiple grave allegations of sexually harassing female medical students.

A division bench comprising Justice D.K. Singh and Justice T.M. Nadaf expressed profound outrage over the professor's conduct, categorizing him as “a wolf in a white coat.” The bench has directed the State Government and the National Medical Commission (NMC) to expedite disciplinary proceedings, noting that if found guilty, his medical license must be permanently revoked.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this case highlights a systemic failure where institutional safeguards are bypassed by political influence. The court's intervention is crucial not just for the victims, but to restore the sanctity of medical education and ensure that power-wielding individuals cannot shield themselves from criminal accountability.

"A person facing such serious charges of sexual abuse and harassment of his own students must remain suspended until the inquiry is complete."

The High Court did not stop at the accused; it also recommended disciplinary action against Dr. Virupaksha V (Director of SIMS) and Mohammed Mohsin (Principal Secretary). The bench observed that these high-ranking officials acted in a manner "unbecoming of government servants" by actively shielding an accused individual and demonstrating total indifference to the dignity of the victims.

Historical Background

Dr. Hebbar has been embroiled in legal battles since August 2022, following a complaint by a junior resident. A second, more recent complaint was filed in June 2025 by a postgraduate student. Despite these recurring allegations, the accused allegedly used political lobbying and influential letters to secure his reinstatement, a move the court has now decisively overturned.

Did You Know?: The POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act mandates that every organization with 10 or more employees must have an Internal Complaints Committee.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the court's specific remark about Dr. Hebbar?
The court described him as "a wolf in a white coat" and noted his misconduct gives a "chilling effect to the spine."

2. Who else is facing scrutiny in this case?
The Director of SIMS and the Principal Secretary of the Department of Medical Education are facing recommended disciplinary actions.