Bengaluru: In a strongly worded judgment, the Karnataka High Court has directed disciplinary proceedings against senior IAS officer Mohammed Mohsin (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Medical Education, and Dr Virupakshappa, Director of the Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), for allegedly protecting an associate professor accused of sexually harassing female medical students.
A Division Bench comprising Justices D.K. Singh and T.M. Nadaf made the observations while deciding petitions related to the transfer of Dr Ashwin Hebbar, an associate professor accused of sexual harassment, from SIMS to the Haveri Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS).
Court Finds Conduct ‘Unbecoming of Government Servants’
The High Court held that both the senior IAS officer and the SIMS Director had acted in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of public servants.
In its order, the Bench observed:
“We are of the view that they have conducted themselves unbecoming of government servants in the matter of sexual abuse/harassment of the girl students of the SIMS by Dr Ashwin Hebbar and protecting the accused.”
The court concluded that their actions effectively shielded the accused doctor instead of ensuring accountability.
‘Wolf in White Coat’: Strong Words from the High Court
Making one of its strongest observations, the Bench described Dr Ashwin Hebbar as a “wolf in white coat.”
The judges stated that disciplinary proceedings against him should be concluded expeditiously and recommended that the National Medical Commission (NMC) independently examine the matter.
The court further observed that if the allegations are proved, the NMC should consider cancelling his medical licence.
Accordingly, the Bench directed that a copy of its judgment be forwarded to the National Medical Commission for appropriate action.
Background of the Case
The controversy dates back to August 2022, when the first complaint of sexual harassment was lodged against Dr Hebbar by a student.
A Local Complaints Committee reportedly found a prima facie case of sexual harassment. However, despite these findings, no departmental inquiry was initiated.
Although Hebbar was suspended, the Karnataka High Court set aside his suspension order in 2024.
A second complaint surfaced in 2025, filed by a second-year postgraduate student. This time, the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) also found the allegations prima facie true.
Following the complaint:
- Dr Hebbar was arrested and later released on bail.
- He was placed under suspension on July 3, 2025.
- A departmental charge sheet was issued on November 12, 2025.
Reinstatement Order Under Scrutiny
Despite the pending disciplinary proceedings, Mohammed Mohsin, as Additional Chief Secretary, passed an order on November 17, 2025, revoking the suspension and transferring Dr Hebbar to the Haveri Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS).
The transfer order subsequently became the subject matter of litigation before the High Court.
The Bench noted that a Single Judge had initially stayed the transfer order after Hebbar challenged it. However, while hearing the appeal, the Division Bench observed that allowing the accused to continue at SIMS would have further traumatized the complainants.
The judges remarked that permitting the transfer to remain stayed was akin to “adding salt to the injury of the victim who would face him every day at SIMS.”
Court Questions Mohsin’s Affidavit
The High Court also expressed serious concern over the affidavit filed by IAS officer Mohammed Mohsin.
According to the Bench, Mohsin failed to disclose that he had earlier written to the Director of SIMS on September 22, 2025, directing him to examine Hebbar’s representation seeking revocation of his suspension.
Acting on this communication, the SIMS Director recommended reinstatement, stating that Hebbar’s return would benefit the institution, patient care and teaching.
The court viewed this sequence of events critically, observing that the recommendation ultimately paved the way for revoking the suspension despite pending disciplinary proceedings.
Suspension Revoked Despite Pending Inquiry
The Bench noted that a departmental charge sheet had already been issued before the suspension was withdrawn.
The judges observed that there was no justification for revoking the suspension merely four-and-a-half months after it had been imposed in a case involving serious allegations of sexual harassment.
Holding the reinstatement to be unjustified, the court allowed the writ appeal filed by SIMS and dismissed the writ petitions filed by Dr Ashwin Hebbar.
NMC Asked to Examine the Matter
Besides restoring the disciplinary process, the High Court directed that its judgment be forwarded to the National Medical Commission (NMC) for considering appropriate regulatory action against Dr Hebbar.
The court observed that professional accountability should accompany departmental proceedings where allegations involve serious misconduct against students.
Read also: ACC Clears 10 Overseas Appointments, Extends Hemang Jani’s World Bank Tenure Till 2029 – List Inside
