23-01-10. Gujarat High Court on the S G highway in Ahmedabad. Photo by Kevin Antao.
Chaudhary, who is about to retire, was posted as assistant director (outdoor) at the Gujarat Police Academy in Karai between 2015 and 2017, when three female police sub-inspectors (PSIs) undergoing training accused him of improper behaviour amounting to sexual harassment. Ahmedabad: Gujarat High Court on Monday restrained the state govt from passing a final order dismissing a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) with the Marine Task Force, R M Chaudhary, who is accused of sexual harassment at the workplace.
After the hearing, Justice Aniruddha Mayee issued notice to the concerned authority, seeking its reply by Nov 26 on why Chaudhary’s dismissal should not be stayed.
However, the HC ordered, “In the meantime, no final order to be passed pursuant to the final show-cause notice till the next hearing.” The lawyer argued that the disciplinary proceedings were conducted without hearing Chaudhary and without providing him with a copy of the inquiry report. He also questioned the constitution of the ICC, pointing out that one of its members was also a witness in the case. It was contended that the ICC report violated the principles of natural justice.