R.K. Pachauri summoned as accused in sexual harassment case
Delhi court says there is sufficient material to proceed against accused R.K. Pachauri under sections 354-A, 354-B, 354-D, 509 and 341 of IPC
New Delhi: Former Teri chief R. K. Pachauri was on Saturday summoned as accused by a Delhi court which took cognizance of a chargesheet filed against him for allegedly sexually harassing and outraging the modesty of an ex-colleague.
“The court is satisfied that there is sufficient material to proceed against accused R.K. Pachauri under sections 354-A, 354-B, 354-D, 509 and 341 of IPC. Cognizance taken accordingly ... Let the accused be summoned for the next date i.e. July 11," metropolitan magistrate Shivani Chauhan said.
Also Read: Delhi Police chargesheets R.K. Pachauri for sexual harassment
Delhi Police had on 1 March filed an over 1,400-page charge sheet in the court against Pachauri under sections 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-B(assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 354-D (stalking), 509(word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and 341 (wrongful confinement) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Also Read: Lessons from TERI and the Pachauri case
“Chargesheet perused. Heard. There are allegations against the accused that he made sexually coloured remarks upon the complainant on several occasions. He touched the complainant inappropriately despite a clear expression of disapproval from her side. He sent inappropriate SMSes and WhatsApp messages to the complainant," the metropolitan magistrate said.
Also Read: R.K. Pachauri quits Teri to pursue other interests
The chargesheet arrayed 23 prosecution witnesses, many of whom are present and former employees of The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri). Pachauri was granted an anticipatory bail in the case on 21 March, last year. On 13 February, last year an FIR (First Information Report) was registered against Pachauri on charges of sexual harassment under IPC sections 354, 354(a), 354(d) (molestation) and 506 (criminal intimidation).
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