Pachauri Sexual Harassment Case: Court Orders Framing of Charges
In 2015, ex-TERI chief RK Pachauri’s colleague had filed a sexual harassment case against him.
Delhi’s Saket Court orders framing of charges against environmentalist and former The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) chairperson RK Pachauri in a sexual harassment case, reported ANI.
The court has ordered framing of charges under section 354 (assault), section 354A (sexual harassment and punishment for harassment) and section 509 (act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code.
The court, however, discharged him of certain other sections and said it will formally frame the charges on 20 October, the date of next hearing in the case, reported PTI.
After the court’s order, speaking to ANI, the complainant said that her fight has not been easy but that she is now relieved with the order.
“This is a big big leap towards the truth,” she added.
The complainant’s lawyer, Prashant Mehndiratta too expressed happiness over the court’s order and speaking to News18, he said that he is hopeful that the case will be a “guiding light” and this will “give courage to more people”.
What Is the Case?
In 2015, a woman working as a research analyst in Pachauri’s office at TERI filed a complaint with the Delhi police. Pachauri was booked under Sections 354, 354A, 354D, 506 of the IPC, pertaining to outraging the modesty of a woman, sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation.
After she had filed a complaint against Pachauri, more women raised allegations against him in the months that followed.
On 13 February 2015, an FIR was registered against Pachauri and he was granted anticipatory bail in the case on 21 March.
On 1 March 2016, an over 1,400-page chargesheet was filed by the Delhi Police saying there was "sufficient evidence" against Pachauri that he had sexually harassed, stalked and threatened the complainant.
(With inputs from ANI)
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