Probe delay into setting up of SC harassment cell

Former Delhi University’s law faculty dean S N Singh and ex-IAS officer Promila Shankar have sought an inquiry into delay in setting up a committee in the Supreme Court in line with the order in the 1997 Vishakha judgment to inquire into sexual harassment charges.

They sent a representation to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice P Sathasivam on Tuesday and also demanded removal of Justice A K Ganguly, who was accused of sexual harassment by a law intern, from the West Bengal Human Rights Commission.
They also questioned a three-judge committee probe into the allegations which came into light on November 13.

“We feel that if some sitting judges are involved in such incidents, the matter cannot be investigated by a committee of Supreme Court judges as per the principle of audi alteram partem (hear the other side),” they said.

The letter also sought inquiry to find out as to who was responsible in the apex court administration for violating the Supreme Court’s ruling in 1997 for the mandatory setting up of sexual harassment committee to deal with such complaints.

Both Singh and Shankar also pointed out that the Delhi Police had failed to lodge a fist information report in the matter despite the apex court’s constitution bench judgment on November 12, directing for registration of a criminal case on information with regard to cognizable offences.

“The whole nation is eagerly awaiting prompt action on the allegations of the law intern against a former apex court judge.” the letter stated.