Background
The complainant alleged that the respondent persistently harassed her for months, attempting to coerce her into a relationship despite her objections. The respondent professed intense love, claiming dependency on her and willingness to do anything. Despite her clear opposition, he pursued her through calls, messages, and workplace visits, resorting to stalking and intrusive questioning. Allegedly, he used multiple phone numbers to evade blocking for sending inappropriate messages.
The respondent refuted the allegations, asserting that he financially supported the complainant for her medical treatment and provided emotional support as a father figure, with no ulterior motives. He maintained that he ceased casual communication upon learning of workplace gossip, thereafter contacting her only for repayment through friends, which resulted in being blocked or ignored and culminated in a false sexual harassment accusation.
There was clear evidence of chat messages screenshots sent to the complainant by the respondent. There was also a witness who corroborated the complainant’s narrative.
Process Followed
Complainant initiated inquiry.
Challenges faced by the Internal Committee
- Retaliation by respondent: During cross-examination, the respondent contacted the complainant’s parents, revealing the complaint and pressuring them to retract it. The parents were unaware, causing great distress to the complainant and her family.
- Language and mode of communication barriers with the parties: It was brought to the IC’s notice that parties preferred the inquiry in their local language and email communication was not possible with either.
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Event Details:
Date: 06 December 2024
Time: 10AM to 5PM
Location: MS Teams
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