SUSHMITA PURKAYASTHA Vs. STATE OF ASSAM AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. K. N. Choudhury, learned senior counsel for the appellant as well as Ms. R. Choudhury, learned counsel for the respondents in the Education Department, Mr. R. D. Choudhury, learned Senior Government Advocate for the Deputy Commissioner, Cachar, Mr. J. Patowary, learned counsel for the Governing Body of the respondent college and Mr. P. K. Tiwari, learned senior counsel for the respondent No. 5.

(2.) The respondent No. 5 is the Principal of Women College, Silchar, who by virtue of his appointment is also the ex officio Secretary of the Governing Body of the college. Some of the teachers as well as employees, of the college had lodged a written complaint against the respondent No. 5, alleging sexual harassment and mental torture being inflicted by him against some of the women employees. The complaint so lodged also included an alleged incident of the respondent No. 5 having sent an obscene e-mail to the librarian of the college.

(3.) In consequence thereof the Governing Body of the college by its resolution No.(a) dated 03.04.2014 had constituted an "Internal Complaints Committee" (ICC). The ICC so constituted was as follows: "1). Dr. (Mrs) Aparajita Chowdhury Ex-Director, College Development Council Assam University, Silchar, Ex-Principal, G.C.College, Silchar, R.S.Girls'College, Karimganj and Women's College, Silchar. : Presiding Officer 2). Dr. Sankar Bhattacherjee, Ex-Principal Women's College, Silchar. : Member 3). Dr. Sunanda Nandi Purkayastha Former Associate Professor Deptt. of Education Women's College, Silchar. : Member