SHRC serves notice to Goa University VC over ‘underwear parade’ incident

The State Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to Goa University Vice-Chancellor Harilal B Menon over the alleged parade of male students in their underwear during a cultural event.

The incident reportedly took place in February during the university's interdepartmental festival "Frolic."

A university official confirmed that the act occurred during a competition called "Third Degree," where participants were instructed by the jury to strip to their underwear.

"During a competition called 'Third Degree,' the jury asked the participants to strip to their underwear," the official said.

The rights panel issued the notice on July 10, directing the vice-chancellor to appear before it and submit a response by July 23.

The commission took suo motu cognizance of the incident based on media coverage earlier this week.

The university's internal complaints committee has completed its inquiry into the matter. The event has drawn criticism from student groups and political parties.

National Students Union of India (NSUI) leader Naushad Chaudhury strongly criticized the incident and noted the presence of female students in the audience.

"Students were not allowed to leave. It was an embarrassing situation for both male and female students present there," he said.

NSUI has announced plans to hold protests, while the Goa Forward Party (GFP), which first highlighted the issue, has also questioned the university’s handling of the situation.