Pachauri faces molestation charge, pleads not guilty

New Delhi: As the #Metoo movement continues to rage, a Delhi court on Saturday framed charges against the environmentalist and former chief of the Energy and Resource Institute (Teri), R.K. Pachauri, for sexually harassing a woman researcher at workplace. The court has fixed January 4 and 5 for recording the statement of the complainant. Also, first witness of prosecution will also be examined by the court.

Metropolitan magistrate Charu Gupta put Mr Pachauri on trial for the offence punishable under Sections 354 (outraging modesty), 354 A (making physical contact, unwelcome and sexually coloured remarks) and 509 (teasing and using vulgar gesture and actions) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The charges were framed after Mr Pachauri, who was present in the courtroom, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.

Advocate Ashish Dixit, appearing for the accused, sought a speedy trial. “My (Pachauri) age is 78 years and me and my family are suffering from hardship. For almost last four years we are facing media trial,” the counsel said on behalf of Pachauri after which the court put up the matter for further proceedings on January 4, 2019. The court also summoned the complainant on the next date for recording of her statement.

On September 14, the court had discharged him from the Section 354B (using criminal force against a woman), 354D (stalking) and 341 (wrongful restraint) of the IPC, saying that prima facie these sections were not made out against Mr Pachauri.

Reacting to the development, the complaint said on Saturday, “Spoken with my lawyers and understood all aspects especially with regards to challenging for inclusion of three charges (in which Pachauri has been discharged). Finally, trial is committed. Made complete arrangements to be available during the said time period. The truth will triumph.”

On February 13, 2015, an FIR was registered against Pachauri and he was granted anticipatory bail in the case on March 21, 2015.