The Karnataka High Court has ordered a departmental enquiry against a senior IAS officer and the SIMS Director for revoking the suspension of an associate professor accused of sexual harassment. The court labeled the accused as a 'wolf in a white coat.'

Key Takeaways

  • High Court orders enquiry against IAS Mohsin and SIMS Director Virupakshappa V.
  • The probe concerns the premature revocation of suspension for accused Prof. Ashwin Hebbar.
  • The court described the accused professor as a "wolf in a white coat."
  • This marks the second sexual harassment allegation against the professor.

The High Court of Karnataka has taken stern action by ordering a departmental enquiry against IAS officer Mohammad Mohsin, Additional Chief Secretary of Medical Education, and Virupakshappa V., Director of Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS). The order follows their controversial decision to revoke the suspension of Dr. Ashwin Hebbar K., an associate professor accused of sexually harassing a postgraduate medical student.

'Insensitive to Abuse': High Court's Sharp Rebuke

A Division Bench comprising Justice D.K. Singh and Justice T.M. Nadaf expressed deep dissatisfaction with the administrative handling of the case. The Bench observed that the ACS and the Director had been "totally insensitive" to the dignity and humiliation suffered by the student. In a scathing remark, the court referred to Dr. Hebbar as a "wolf in a white coat," suggesting that his medical profession was being used as a shield for predatory behavior.

The Timeline of Controversy

The incident dates back to June 2025, when a second-year postgraduate student alleged inappropriate touching by Dr. Hebbar during a dinner party. While he was initially arrested and suspended in July 2025, his suspension was revoked in November 2025—well before the mandatory six-month review period prescribed under the Karnataka Civil Services Rules, 1957. The court noted that this revocation occurred amidst pressure from politicians and NGOs.

Why This Matters: BozokMedia Analysis

BozokMedia analysis shows that this case highlights a disturbing trend where administrative power is weaponized to protect high-profile professionals from legal consequences. The decision to reinstate the professor based on his surgical volume rather than the gravity of the criminal allegations sets a dangerous precedent for institutional accountability.

"The revocation of suspension without a formal chargesheet suggests a systemic attempt to bypass the justice process through administrative loopholes."
Did You Know?: Dr. Hebbar was also accused of a similar offense in 2022, where a POSH Act panel allegedly pressured a victim to withdraw her statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did the court order an enquiry against the IAS officer?
Because the officer allegedly buckled under political pressure to revoke the suspension of an accused professor prematurely.

2. What is the status of Dr. Hebbar's suspension?
The court has ordered that his suspension must continue until the departmental enquiry is completed.