After TOI report, teacher accused of harassment shifted

Chandigarh: Within hours of TOI highlighting allegations by 24 women staff members of a senior secondary govt school against a male teacher, the education department ordered his transfer to another govt school on Tuesday. The move came nearly two months after the complaint was submitted on Feb 12.Officials described the transfer — the first administrative step in the case — as an interim measure aimed at ensuring a "safe and neutral environment" for all parties while the inquiry is underway.Soon after the allegations came to light, the department said it had taken cognisance of the complaint and constituted a committee to conduct a "thorough and time-bound enquiry" under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act.Under the POSH Act, an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) must complete its inquiry within 90 days, and the employer is required to act on its recommendations within 60 days. During pendency of proceedings, the law also provides for interim relief, including transfer of the respondent or grant of leave to the complainant to ensure workplace safety.However, the timing of the action has drawn attention. The transfer order was issued after a prolonged period, during which the accused continued to work at the same premises as the complainants.The complaint, submitted to the school's internal complaints committee, alleges "abusive, derogatory and gendered language," "verbal threats and intimidation," and "unwelcome physical advances compromising the dignity and safety of women employees." It states that the conduct created a "hostile, unsafe and humiliating work environment" and refers to a "documented pattern of aggression."Even as the process moves forward, questions have emerged over the constitution of parallel inquiry mechanisms. While a school-level ICC is already in place as mandated, sources said the education department has also set up a separate panel. Officials did not clarify the need for two committees or explain how their roles would differ.One specific incident cited in the complaint alleges that the accused behaved in an aggressive and intimidating manner, moved uncomfortably close to women staff members and made demeaning remarks, causing distress among employees."We demand that this complaint be immediately registered and placed before the internal complaints committee for prompt inquiry… Interim protective measures must be implemented without delay," the complainants wrote, also warning of criminal proceedings if timely action was not taken.Although the complaint was signed by 24 staff members and submitted on Feb 12, school sources said no interim safeguards were put in place until the transfer order was issued on Tuesday.
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