A day after environmentalist R.K.
A day after environmentalist R.K. Pachauri was sent on leave in view of mounting pressure over his elevation as the executive vice-chairman, the Teri alumni on Saturday continued their protest demanding his removal or suspension in wake of serious sexual harassment allegations against him.
The alumni attacked the governing council’s decision to send him on “paid leave”. A statement issued on behalf of about 350 alumni of Teri University said they have decided to continue their protest and to seek government’s intervention, if needed. They expressed unhappiness over sending Mr Pachauri, who is fighting a legal case of sexual harassment, on an indefinite leave.
On Friday, the governing council of Teri met and nudged Mr Pachauri to go on leave from the green body as well as its governing council till its decision is reviewed given the subjudice nature of the matter.
“On behalf of Teri alumni, we would like to express unhappiness regarding the governing council’s decision of sending Pachauri on an indefinite leave.” “The Teri University alumni network condemns this decision as we believe that the council needs to understand that requesting the ‘removal or suspension from a position of higher power’ is not equivalent to sending him on a ‘paid leave’. Even on “Leave from all positions”, Mr Pachauri remains associated with Teri and Teri University. The alumni perceived this decision by the council as a step to cool the current protests because it not only opens the possibility of him joining the institute anytime the governing council deems appropriate but also keeps the channel of influencing witnesses indirectly.
“We are extremely disappointed by actions of the governing council members who have not only disrespected the power and trust invested upon them but also the law and public morality, the statement said. The alumni group had submitted a letter to Teri’s governing council on February 10 demanding his suspension from the green body and also started an online petition to mobilise support against him.
