Three years after an FIR was filed against ex-TERI chief RK Pachauri by a former female colleague, accusing him of sexual harassment, a Delhi court on Saturday, 20 October framed molestation charges against the environmentalist.
The court framed charges under Sections 354 (outraging modesty), 354A (making physical contact, unwelcome and sexually coloured remarks) and 509 (teasing and using vulgar gesture and actions) of the Indian Penal Code.
The charges were framed after Pachauri appeared in court and pleaded not guilty.
In court, Pachauri alleged “trial by media”, reports CNN News18. According to The Times of India, he also sought a speedy trial earlier on the grounds that he was 78 years old.
In a statement to News18, the complainant said:
“Spoken with my lawyers and understood all aspects especially with regards to challenging for inclusion of three charges. Finally, trial is committed. Made complete arrangements to be available during the said time period. What a way to start 2019. The truth will triumph.”
The complainant’s lawyer also added that they will be filing a revision petition to include certain charges like criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint and stalking that were dropped by the court.
On 13 February 2015, an FIR was registered against Pachauri by a woman researcher who used to work under him at TERI alleging sexual harassment. In February 2016, another woman came out in public stating that Pachauri made advances at her 10 years ago.
The complainant has been summoned to court and 4 and 5 January have been fixed as dates for recording evidence.
(With inputs from News18 and The Times of India)
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