Misunderstanding Relating To Administrative Functions At Workplace Not Sexual Harassment: Madras HC.
Last Updated on August 31, 2021 by Administrator
By-Himani Baid.
A case alleging harassment by a previous director of Loyola College was dismissed by the Madras High Court. The accusations originated from disagreements with the accused director over the performance of some administrative responsibilities, according to Justice N Sathish Kumar. In this case, the judge stated that such workplace misunderstandings cannot be classed as sexual harassment.
A case filed by a former secretary of the Loyola College Alumni Association alleging sexual harassment and financial theft by the previous director of the college was dismissed by the High Court in Chennai. The petition demanded reinstatement to work, back pay, and compensation, as well as legal action against the ex-director under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace [Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal] Act of 2013.
The former Secretary of Loyola College in Chennai has won her case of theft and sexual harassment against the college and ex-Father Alphonse. The charges of sexual harassment were deemed to be without merit, and the Court noted that the allegations were made for the first time only after a police case was brought against the petitioner’s son.
In the petitioner’s complaints to the college authorities, no claims of sexual harassment or physical abuse were made against the previous director. According to the Court, this occurred after the police began an inquiry into the petitioner’s son following a complaint from a Loyola alumnus. The judge pointed out that the Commission can only offer recommendations to the proper authorities or the police if a prima facie case has been established.
