Annual Report - National Human Rights Commission

Complaints Before the Commission
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recommended to the Chairman & MD of Southern Power Distribution Co. of A.P. Ltd. to
personally look into the matter and consider what further ex-gratia amount could be given
to the widow.
4.112 A communication dated 22/6/2004 received from the Southern Power Distribution Co.
of A.P. Ltd. indicated that the Company had paid an additional amount of Rs. 20,000/- in addition
to Rs. 10,000/- already paid to the wife of the deceased. The report was taken on record and the
case was closed.
18. Sexual Harassment at work place - Case No. 1775/35/2003-2004-WC
4.113 The Commission took cognizance of a complaint, dated 12-3-2004 referred by
Ms. K. Geeta, Programme Coordinator of SAKSHI, an NGO alleging sexual harassment of
Ms. Asha Rajora, Technical Assistant in the Herbal Research and Development Institute,
Gopeshwar, Uttaranchal by the Director of the Institute. Allegations of further harassment by
way of non-renewal of her job contract with effect from 1-5-2004 were also levelled.
4.114 The Commission directed the Chief Secretary, Uttaranchal and District Magistrate,
Dehradun to submit their reports in the matter. The Commission also directed the State Authorities
to inform (i) whether the Vishakha Guidelines are being followed in letter and spirit,
while holding the inquiry; and (ii) whether any protection has been given to the complainant in
the meanwhile.
4.115 An interim report received from the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttaranchal indicated
that the Commissioner, Garhwal Circle, has been requested to inquire into the matter as he was
heading the Divisional Vigilance Committee. The interim report was however silent about the
constitution of Divisional Vigilance Committee and whether it is in conformity with the guidelines
laid down by the Supreme Court of India in Vishakha’s case, which requires that the Complaints
Committee should be headed by a woman and not less than half of its members should be
women. Further, to prevent the possibility of any undue pressure or influence from senior levels
such Complaints Committee should involve a third party, either NGO or other body who is
familiar with the issue of sexual harassment. The Chief Secretary, Uttaranchal was therefore
requested to clarify as to whether the Divisional Vigilance Committee is in conformity with
Vishakha Guidelines.
4.116 The Principal Secretary, Government of Uttaranchal informed the Commission that
on the basis of the recommendations made by the Vigilance Committee, which was constituted
in accordance with the guidelines in Vishakha case, the services of Dr. J. S. Rawat,
Director, HRDI, Gopeshwar were terminated with effect from 4.10.2004. Since action
had been taken by the Government in the case of sexual harassment the case was closed
on 17-1-2005.
National Human Rights Commission Annual Report - 2004-2005
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