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| CAT orders Magisterial enquiry in allegations of sexual harassment by Principal at GHSS Batote | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 2: The Central Administrative Tribunal (Jammu Bench) has directed a Magisterial Enquiry into serious allegations of sexual harassment made by a school teacher against the Principal of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Batote, Ramban. The teacher, who had been attached to the school on security grounds, challenged her relieving order, stating that it was a consequence of her refusal to comply with the Principal's unwarranted sexual advances.
In the petition, the teacher alleged that the Principal had been making unwarranted advances towards her since his joining in August 2022. Despite her repeated refusals, the Principal persisted in his attempts to gain sexual favors from her. The teacher further claimed that the Principal used to send inappropriate messages and selfies late at night, only to delete them later.
Advocate Supriya Chouhan, representing the victim, argued that the Principal had demeaned his position and the educational institution by seeking sexual favors from a helpless teacher. The Principal allegedly retaliated by removing the teacher's name from school activities, school WhatsApp groups, and making false accusations against her character.
Furthermore, Advocate Chouhan highlighted a forged and defamatory communication circulated by the Principal to various authorities, including the DC and SSP of Ramban, making derogatory remarks about the teacher's character and dignity.
The CAT, taking note of the seriousness of the allegations, directed a Sub-Divisional Magistrate to conduct an impartial enquiry and submit a report within 15 days. The Tribunal also directed the Chief Education Officer of Ramban to obtain a fresh security threat assessment report for the teacher and decide her place of posting accordingly. Until the assessment report is received, the teacher shall be granted eligible leave.
The CAT emphasized the importance of looking into the matter thoroughly and ensuring an impartial investigation into the serious allegations of sexual harassment. The Additional Advocate General and Assistant Advocate General representing the Education Department were granted time to file their responses before the next hearing.
The order comes as a significant step in addressing the teacher's allegations and ensuring a fair and transparent investigation into the matter. |
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