Rajasthan High Court Stays Transfer of Lecturer Following Sexual Harassment Complaint Against Principal

The Rajasthan High Court's Jodhpur bench has intervened to stay the transfer of a government school lecturer who had lodged a sexual harassment complaint against her school's principal. The lecturer contended that her reassignment, which would have moved her approximately 800 kilometers from her current post, was a retaliatory measure stemming from her complaint.

Presiding over the case, Justice Arun Monga issued a notice regarding the lecturer's plea and decreed that she should continue her duties at her existing institution. The court's directive stated:

"Meanwhile, the petitioner shall be allowed to discharge her duties at her current institution/place of posting. In case, she has been formally relieved, the same will not come in her way for reporting/joining back on duty."

The lecturer's complaint led to an inquiry that resulted in the principal being placed in the Awaiting Posting Order (APO) category. Subsequently, the lecturer herself was also designated under the APO category, a move she perceived as victimization despite having committed no wrongdoing.

Following the APO designation, the lecturer received a transfer order relocating her 800 kilometers away from her current position. She highlighted her personal circumstances, emphasizing that she is a single woman responsible for the care of her widowed, ailing mother, who is undergoing treatment for ischemic heart disease.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 20, during which further deliberations on the case will take place.

This case underscores the judiciary's role in addressing potential retaliatory actions against individuals who report workplace misconduct, ensuring that such complainants are protected from adverse consequences stemming from their grievances.