Complete inquiry within two weeks, Madras HC tells ICC

Chennai: The Madras high court has directed the Internal Complaints Committee constituted under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, to proceed with the inquiry into the sexual harassment complaint given by a senior woman police officer against the Joint Director of DVAC and file a report within 2 weeks.

Justice S. M. Subramaniam said if any further time is required the Internal Complaints Committee is at liberty to approach this court by filing appropriate petitions, seeking extension of time.

Confirming the constitutions of ICC consisting Srilakshmi Prasad, IPS, Additional Director of Police, P.Kannammal, IPS, SP, CR, DVAC, Chennai, M.Kanaga, Manager, Confidential Branch, DVAC, S.Ramadoss, DSP, DVAC and K. M. Valsalakumari, advocate, Justice S.M.Subramanian gave the above directive.

The judge also directed the CBCID to proceed with all further actions pursuant to the registration of FIR by commencing the investigation and to proceed with the case by following the procedures contemplated under law. The Chief Secretary to government is directed to initiate all required further actions against S. Murugan, IPS, Joint Director, DVAC, under the relevant Service Rules, which are necessary under the facts and circumstances of the case and with reference to the complaint dated August 4, 2018 submitted by Superintendent of Police H. Jayalakshmi as well as the FIR registered by the CBCID, the judge added.

Beginning the judgment with a direction to the Registrar (Administration), High Court of Madras, to install CCTV camera in his chamber, Justice Subramaniam in the concluding part of the order said, “This court strongly recommends to the Chief Secretary to government for installation of CCTV Cameras inside the official Chambers and office rooms of all the higher officials,

in order to avoid all such allegations/complaints against the higher officials and to safeguard the interest of women officers and women employees from the offences of sexual harassment”. The judge posted the matter to March 6, 2019 for reporting compliance.