Law Minister seeks fair inquiry

A woman additional district and sessions judge in Gwalior had quit her job after accusing HC judge of sexual harassment.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday said allegations of sexual harassment levelled by an additional district judge in Madhya Pradesh against a High Court judge should be inquired into fairly and appropriate action should be taken.

“An incident of alleged sexual harassment of an additional district judge in MP by a High Court judge has come in media. This incident, as reported, is deeply regrettable and unfortunate,” Prasad said outside Parliament. He added that the matter was sensitive, and it was very assuring that the Chief Justice of India himself had taken the initiative to follow up the issue.

“I would wish, more as a citizen of India, that the matter needs to be inquired into fairly and objectively and in the event if the allegations are found to be correct, then I am sure, the judiciary led by the hon’ble CJI would be wise enough to take appropriate action,” Prasad said.

A woman additional district and sessions judge in Gwalior had quit her job after accusing the HC judge of sexual harassment, a charge he has rejected.

The woman judge has sent a nine-page representation to the CJI stating that the HC judge had some months ago started showing “more than normal interest” in her work.

The issue was also raised in Lok Sabha, with BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi saying the incident showed that women were not safe even in the hallowed precincts of the judiciary.

Supreme Court declines early hearing

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Tuesday declined to grant an early hearing to a PIL demanding registration of an FIR and setting up of an inquiry committee to probe the Gwalior woman judge’s complaint against a sitting judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The bench asked the petitioner to approach the Chief Justice of India for appropriate orders. ENS

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