The Allahabad High Court has directed the reinstatement of Meena Singh, a Private Secretary to the Vice Chancellor at Gautam Budh University, who had been terminated following her complaint of sexual harassment against the University Registrar. The bench, headed by Justice Manju Rani Chauhan, noted that the repeated terminations and subsequent legal actions against Singh constituted unwarranted harassment, apparently initiated in retaliation for her having lodged a sexual harassment complaint.
Meena Singh has been employed with Gautam Budh University since 2010 and had her services formally regularized in 2018. In 2020, she was served a termination notice purportedly based on an advocate’s complaint alleging irregularities in her appointment. Singh challenged this termination through a writ petition in the High Court. The Court, while reviewing the case, found that the allegations and proceedings against her were deeply flawed, including reliance on a complaint allegedly made by a person who had not actually submitted it, suggesting misuse of authority and procedural irregularity by the University Registrar.
Following her termination, Singh faced additional legal complications. These included a criminal complaint filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and a disciplinary inquiry. The disciplinary proceedings were also found to be procedurally unfair. Singh was not granted the opportunity to cross-examine the Officiating Registrar or present her witnesses. This lack of adherence to basic principles of natural justice further compounded the injustice she faced and highlighted systemic deficiencies in the handling of employee complaints at the University.
In its judgment, the High Court emphasized the significance of protecting employees from retaliatory actions, particularly when the employee has raised complaints of sexual harassment. The bench underscored that the repeated terminations and legal proceedings against Singh were not only unwarranted but also created a hostile work environment. The Court observed that the adverse actions taken against her were clearly linked to the original harassment complaint and reflected an abuse of administrative powers by university authorities.
The decision also emphasized the importance of procedural fairness in disciplinary actions. The High Court noted that every employee is entitled to a fair hearing, which includes the right to cross-examine witnesses and present one’s case comprehensively. Denial of these rights undermines the principles of justice and equity that govern employment law and human resource management within public institutions.
Consequently, the Allahabad High Court set aside the termination orders and other retaliatory measures against Meena Singh. The Court directed that she be reinstated in her position as Private Secretary to the Vice Chancellor with immediate effect. The ruling serves as a strong statement against workplace harassment and administrative abuse, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding employee rights and ensuring that complaints of sexual harassment are addressed without fear of reprisal.
This case highlights the broader principles of workplace justice, reinforcing that employees who report misconduct must be protected from retaliatory actions. It also serves as a cautionary note to public institutions regarding adherence to proper procedures, fair treatment, and the protection of employees’ fundamental rights when dealing with internal complaints, particularly those involving allegations of sexual harassment.
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