PROF. ARUN KUMAR PATNAIK Vs. UNIVERSITY OF HYDERABAD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition is filed challenging the proceedings No.UH/E-I/F.No.14/2021/4143, dated 12.02.2021, issued by the respondent No.1/University relieving the petitioner from the deanship of the School of Social Sciences with immediate effect on the basis of the report received from the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) dated 08.02.2021.

(2.) Several grounds have been urged by learned counsel for the petitioner impugning the proceedings. It is contended by learned counsel for the petitioner that there is violation of principles of natural justice, provisions of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (for short, the 2013 Act), UGC Regulations 2015 and also the procedures prescribed by the respondent No.1/University in accordance with the 2013 Act.

(3.) The petitioner and the respondent No.5 had appeared in person before this court on 30.09.2021 at 10.30 A.M along with their respective counsel. The parties were referred to Mediation and Arbitration Centre of High Court for the State of Telangana and they agreed to appear before the Director of the Mediation and Arbitration Centre on the same day to record compromise. The matter was, therefore, passed over to be called again at 1:15 P.M on the same day for receiving the Report of the Director of Mediation and Arbitration Centre. On the second call, when the matter was taken up, Terms of Settlement recorded between the parties by the Deputy Director (FAC), Mediation and Arbitration Centre were produced before the court. The Terms of Settlement dated 30.09.2021 duly signed by the parties and their respective counsel, which was forwarded by the Deputy Director (FAC), Mediation and Arbitration Centre, was taken on record.