R K Pachauri holds no position here, can’t exercise any powers: TERI chief

Pachauri was sent on indefinite leave from TERI and its Governing Council, TERI’s highest decision-making body, on February 13, barely three days after he was elevated to the position of executive vice-chairman at the think-tank.

On February 11, another former TERI employee had levelled similar allegations against Pachauri.

She also went on to say that sexual harassment by Pachauri is “an open secret” in the organisation.

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TERI’s website now lists Pachauri as executive vice-chairman — on leave.

The second complainant had alleged that a few months into her employment, Pachauri began harassing her and did not stop until she quit.

Referring to Pachauri as a “serial sexual harasser”, she said she was compelled to speak out after his “big promotion” and that everyone standing by him “knows the kind of man he is”.

Meanwhile, Deepak Parekh, a member of the Governing Council, stated that the council “will meet and take a decision on the matter.”

TERI’s executive powers have been vested in Mathur, who assumed charge on February 8.

However, members of the Governing Council have stated that they will await details of the chargesheet before taking a decision on the matter.