Coming down heavily on the Chairman of Indian Institute of Technology(IIT), Delhi for not complying with court orders relating to the completion of an inquiry of an associate professor of the Institute within the stipulated time frame, the Delhi High Court has said it will initiate contempt proceedings against the institute if the professor’s results are not declared by August 21.
Associate professor Dr Ashok Kumar Keshari is facing charges of sexual harassment by two female students.
Justice S N Aggarwal, in his order, asked the Chairman, "Why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against you for not complying with the court orders?" The Court had earlier directed the IIT Chairman to complete the inquiry relating to the case against Dr Keshari within three months and declare the result relating to his elevation to the post of professor forthwith.
But the notices issued by the court were not taken into account by the Chairman.
Dr Keshari, a water resources expert and an associate professor in the Institute, alleged in his petition that his elevation to the post of professor was withheld in the pretext of pending inquiry.
Mr R Venkat Raman, lawyer for Mr Keshari, told the court that due to personal rivalry, he was implicated in a false case of sexual harassment.
The Court had, in September 2008, ordered that inquiry in the matter should be finished within three months but the inquiry is not still complete in the year-old case and the outcome of his elevation has been withheld, Mr Raman added.
The Court directed the Chairman to declare the outcome of the proceedings related to his elevation to the post of professor by August 21 and furnish a written undertaking in the Court that the pending inquiry will be complete within a time frame failing which, he shall have to face contempt charges which includes imprisonment.
Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!"
Views 1147 Report
