Kochi: The High Court on Friday set aside an inquiry report submitted by the Internal Complaints Committee of Air India, constituted under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act-2013, stating that there was prima facie case that one of its ground handling employees harassed women workers at work place. The court issued the order while disposing of a petition filed by L Sibu of the Apron Ground Service Department under the Air India, challenging the proceedings. The petitioner submitted that he was not given opportunity to present his views on the matter. Terming the complaint as fake, he said the case was fabricated by certain officials of the joint venture company and Air India to take vengeance against him for filing a complaint before the CBI about the irregularities in awarding ground handling contract without adhering to stipulated formalities.
The court directed the committee to reconsider the matter, after giving the employee the fullest opportunity for being heard. The court held that there was violation of the fundamental principles of natural justice.
The State Government submitted that a probe by the Crime Branch had revealed that the allegation against the officer - that he had harassed 17 female employees at the workplace - was false. It was revealed that the complaint against Sibu was fabricated by a group of employees to humiliate him and oust him from the office.
09/04/16 New Indian Express
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The court directed the committee to reconsider the matter, after giving the employee the fullest opportunity for being heard. The court held that there was violation of the fundamental principles of natural justice.
The State Government submitted that a probe by the Crime Branch had revealed that the allegation against the officer - that he had harassed 17 female employees at the workplace - was false. It was revealed that the complaint against Sibu was fabricated by a group of employees to humiliate him and oust him from the office.
09/04/16 New Indian Express
