Chandigarh Government School Teacher Transferred Following Harassment Allegations by 24 Women Staff Members
The Education Department in Chandigarh has ordered the transfer of a male teacher from a senior secondary government school after 24 women staff members filed a formal complaint alleging harassment. The action was taken on Tuesday, nearly two months after the complaint was initially submitted on February 12.
Immediate Administrative Action After Media Highlight
The transfer order came within hours of media reports bringing the allegations to public attention. Officials described this move as the first administrative step in the case, characterizing it as an interim measure designed to create a "safe and neutral environment" for all parties involved while the formal inquiry proceeds.
Formal Complaint Details and Allegations
The complaint, submitted to the school's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), contains serious allegations against the accused teacher. According to the document, the teacher engaged in:
- "Abusive, derogatory and gendered language"
- "Verbal threats and intimidation"
- "Unwelcome physical advances compromising the dignity and safety of women employees"
The complaint further states that this conduct created a "hostile, unsafe and humiliating work environment" and references a "documented pattern of aggression." One specific incident detailed in the complaint alleges the teacher behaved aggressively, moved uncomfortably close to women staff members, and made demeaning remarks that caused significant distress among employees.
Legal Framework and Department Response
Soon after the allegations surfaced, the education department acknowledged receiving the complaint and constituted a committee to conduct a "thorough and time-bound enquiry" under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, commonly known as the POSH Act.
Under this legislation, an Internal Complaints Committee must complete its investigation within 90 days, with employers required to act on its recommendations within an additional 60 days. The law also provides for interim relief measures during pending proceedings, including transfer of the respondent or granting leave to complainants to ensure workplace safety.
Timing Concerns and Parallel Inquiry Mechanisms
Despite these legal provisions, the timing of the transfer has raised questions. The accused teacher continued working at the same school premises alongside the complainants for nearly two months before the transfer order was issued. School sources confirmed that no interim safeguards were implemented during this period despite the February 12 complaint.
Adding to the complexity, questions have emerged about the constitution of parallel inquiry mechanisms. While the school-level ICC is already operational as mandated by law, sources indicate the education department has established a separate panel to investigate the matter. Officials have not clarified the necessity for two committees or explained how their roles and responsibilities might differ.
Complainants' Demands and Potential Escalation
In their complaint, the 24 staff members explicitly demanded that their grievance be "immediately registered and placed before the internal complaints committee for prompt inquiry." They further insisted that "interim protective measures must be implemented without delay" and warned of potential criminal proceedings if timely action was not taken.
The case continues to develop as both the school-level ICC and the department's separate committee proceed with their investigations. The education department maintains that the transfer represents an initial step toward ensuring a fair and safe environment while the formal inquiry process unfolds according to legal requirements.
