No instance of sexual harassment against female RJs: AIR to HC
A PIL against All India Radio alleged that they failed to take action despite complaints made by their female radio jockeys.
New Delhi: All India Radio (AIR) on Tuesday told Delhi High Court that there have been no instances of sexual harassment against female radio presenters as alleged in a PIL which has claimed that the authorities have failed to take any action despite several complaints by women radio jockeys(RJs).
In an affidavit filed by the Director General (DG) of AIR, it was stated that from time to time, the organisation has been taking steps to ensure that full security was provided to all the female staff.
AIR, in the affidavit filed before a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal, denied the allegations against it that the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) was not functioning.
"The present writ petition in the garb of public interest litigation is a misuse of the process of law. The issue raised is purely a service dispute between the department and an individual and no public interest is involved.
"AIR respects and values the contribution of women serving the organisation either in permanent capacity or as casual artistes. In the present case, it is alleged that women casual presenters are harassed and their voice for justice remains unheard. However, the same is not true," AIR said.
The court was hearing a PIL filed by Meera Mishra against the alleged sexual harassment and exploitation of women radio presenters of AIR, the national public radio broadcaster.
The PIL, filed through advocate Sugriva Dubey, has claimed that one of the RJs, who had filed a complaint of sexual harassment against a duty officer, had been removed from her job.