HC questions church authorities on sexual harassment charges

The Gujarat high court has sought explanation from the office bearers of Methodist Church in India in regards with a suicide committed by a woman allegedly due to sexual harassment at work place.

Apart from the office bearers of the religious sect, Justice R H Shukla also sought answers from concerned police officials from Kheda district about the investigation that has been conducted in the case.

As per details mentioned in the petition, Violet Dabhi was working as a superintended at 'Village Centre for Boys' hostel and orphanage at Kathlal. The institute is being run by the Methodist Church. Petitioner father - Samuel Dabhi stated that Violet committed suicide on April 8 this year after she was badly harassed by management and colleagues. He also alleged that his daughter was sexually harassed, which led her to end her life.

Dabhi's counsel Rajesh Shah submitted before the court that the church authorities looked disinterested, and hence for justice his client had to go to police and human rights authorities. As pressure increased, cops took his the complaint under section 154 of CrPC, but no FIR was registered.

Dabhi moved the HC seeking directions that FIR should be registered against all those erring colleagues and the circumstances must be probed that had led Violet to commit suicide. He has requested the court to order an inquiry as per Vishakha guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in connection with sexual harassment at workplace.

Advocate Shah told the court that a committee was set up to look into the case, but it did not inspire confidence. Moreover, police should also register an FIR and conduct a thorough investigation so as to bring the offenders to book. He argued that this is a minority institute, but it has to be governed by the law of the land, and it should be made to follow the Vishakha guidelines.

After hearing the case, justice Shukla issued notice to four police officials and four office bearers of the minority institution. Further hearing in this case has been kept on July 20.

(Source: Times of India)

See Also Report in UCAN India