Delhi Court Frames Molestation Charges Against R K Pachauri

Delhi Court framed molestation charges against environmentalist and Ex-TERI chief R K Pachauri in a case of sexual harassment that his former colleague filed against him in 2015. Metropolitan Magistrate Charu Gupta put Pachauri on trial for outraging modesty, advances made in an unwelcome manner with explicit sexual overtures and for using words, gestures and acts intended to insult her modesty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Pachauri, who was present in the courtroom, has pleaded not guilty and claimed trial. "I am over 78 years old. I have been subjected to four years of vicious trial. Please have a speedy trial. Media is already conducting a trial of its own. Even today the victim released a statement to the media," he told the court during the hearing, NDTV reported.

The trial will begin on January 4 when the complainant will record her statement and Pachauri’s lawyers will cross-examine her. Advocate Ashish Dixit, appearing for the accused, sought a speedy trial.

Earlier on September 14, the court had released Pachauri off of sections 354B (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 354D (stalking), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), 506 (criminal intimidation) which Delhi Police had charged against him.

The trial will begin on January 4 when the complainant will record her statement and Pachauri’s lawyers will cross-examine her.

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On February 15, 2015, an employee of TERI lodged a complaint against Pachauri, accusing him of sexual harassment at workplace. After this, nine other women accused Pachauri of sexual harassment. In March 2016, the Delhi police filed a 1400-page charge sheet against Pachauri, accusing him of stalking and criminally intimidating the complainant.

Police also filed a supplementary charge sheet in March, 2017 after it had retrieved several deleted e-mails and chats exchanged between the accused and the complainant.

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