A.Sheela Rani v. The Chairman,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 26.02.2024

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MS.JUSTICE R.N.MANJULA A.Sheela Rani ...

Petitioner versus The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, No.6, Yercaud Road, Hasthampatty, Salem - 636 007.

...

Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to pass orders on the petitioner's representation dated 15.04.2019 and to grant her compensation in accordance with Sections 13 & 15 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013.

For Petitioner :

M/s.D.Geetha For Respondent :

Mr.Sridhar Standing Counsel 1/4

O R D E R

Heard M/s.D.Geetha, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr.Sridhar, learned Standing Counsel for the respondent and perused the materials available on record.

2.

The petitioner, who was employed as an Office Assistant is said to have sexually harassed by one Vivekanandan and for which, she has given a complaint. The said complaint has been dealt by the internal complaints Committee and the Committee had made an enquiry and given a finding that the complaint of the petitioner is true and also recommended to prefer a police complaint and to initiate disciplinary proceedings. 3.

M/s.D.Geetha, learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that as per the recommendations of the internal complaints Committee, so far no action has been taken by the respondent. Now this Writ Petition has been filed seeking direction against the respondent to pass orders on the representation of the petitioner and also to grant her compensation in accordance with Sections 13 and 15 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. 2/4

4.

Once the internal complaints Committee gives a finding that the allegations made by the petitioner is true, an appropriate action has to be taken as per its recommendations and the respondent, who is an employee should act upon the recommendations.

5.

Since the respondent has omitted to do the statutory obligation as prescribed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the respondent is directed to take appropriate action as per the recommendations of the internal complaints Committee and in accordance with the representation made by the petitioner dated 15.04.2019 and pass an order within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. With the above observation, this Writ Petition is disposed. No costs. 26.02.2024 Speaking order / Non-speaking order Index : Yes / No : Yes / No sri 3/4

R.N.MANJULA , J.

sri To The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, No.6, Yercaud Road, Hasthampatty, Salem - 636 007.

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