ADC Launches Inquiry into Alleged Sexual Harassment by School Principal

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched an official investigation into the alleged sexual harassment of a female teacher by the school principal in Ramban district, Indian Express reported.

The inquiry will be overseen by Ramban Additional Deputy Commissioner Giasul Haq, in response to the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) taking serious note of protest demonstrations captured in video footage.

In a civil miscellaneous petition (CMP), the female teacher claimed that these demonstrations were orchestrated by the principal to damage her reputation, stating that she had resisted his sexual advances.

The female teacher’s legal representative, as per Indian Express informed the Tribunal that despite its explicit directive to conduct a magisterial inquiry, certain senior officers within the Education Department were shielding the principal.

In light of this, Tribunal member (judicial) Suresh Kumar Monga has requested the Education Department to provide its response.

Earlier this month, the CAT had ordered a magisterial inquiry following the female teacher’s allegations that she had been relieved from her duties by the principal due to her refusal to comply with his advances.

It was noted that the J&K Police had confirmed a threat to her life in her native village. She further explained that she was removed from her school duties while undergoing training at the State Council of Educational Research and Training, Jammu, in June.

The CAT member had instructed the respondents to clarify the reasons behind the teacher’s removal without obtaining the latest security threat report.

Additionally, the Ramban Chief Education Officer was directed to acquire an updated security threat assessment for the applicant and make posting decisions accordingly. The Tribunal Member emphasised that eligible leave should be considered and granted to the applicant until the threat assessment report is received, and a copy of the report should be shared with the Director of School Education, Jammu.

from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/q3iCg8M
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net