Harassed researcher to move HC

Research scholar Sarita, who has levelled charges of sexual harassment against her former guide Shivabasavaiah, has decided to move the High Court challenging the punishment awarded to him by the University of Mysore.

Vijayakumar, Sarita’s husband, told reporters here on Sunday that Vice-Chancellor  V G Talawar has taken a unilateral decision on punishment awarded to Shivabasavaiah, without considering the opinions of the Syndicate.

“Mere cuts in increment do not mean justice. Other universities in such cases have dismissed the guilty from service. The University of Mysore has been too lenient towards Shivabasavaiah. We want maximum punishment and will keep the fight on till we get justice,” he said.

Besides, the University has not considered the inquiry report submitted by its women’s harassment complaint cell on the matter, but ordered another inquiry by the Zoology department.

Sarita had obtained a stay order from the High Court against the departmental inquiry as she was already facing five to six inquiries at that point. However, she would face a departmental inquiry provided the State government sets up the panel, he said.