Exclusive: TERI Harassment Survivor Quits. The Inside Story

In an exclusive interview, TERI sexual harassment survivor alleges a hostile environment left her with no choice.

Pachauri sexual harassment survivor makes scathing allegations against TERI. (Photo: Reuters)

Accusing her employer TERI of treating her in the ‘worst possible manner’, the RK Pachauri sexual harassment survivor resigned from TERI.

In an exclusive interview to The Quint following her resignation, the survivor has alleged that the environment at TERI was so hostile that she was left with no option but to quit. She makes scathing allegations against TERI, claiming that the organisation made no effort to keep her identity a secret, in a clear violation of section 228A of the Indian Penal Code, a statutory legal provision to protect the identity of those who have been sexually assaulted.

I quit because I had no choice. TERI made no efforts to conceal my identity. Blogs were written and commented on by all and sundry.  My desk was cordoned off with the police tape even after the cops had seized my work computer. Everyone got to know who the complainant is. Keeping me away from my work for so long also gave away my identity. If quitting wasn’t enough, TERI issued a rather disturbing press release against me which carried all my details and now anyone can identify me. I will now assess where I stand legally and initiate appropriate action.

Pachauri Sexual Harassment Survivor

The survivor is still consulting with her lawyers and mulling legal action against the organisation for not concealing her identity. Adding that there were many other incidents of deliberate hostility and harassment, she claims to have shared all the documents with the Delhi High Court.

At first I thought why should I quit my job. I thought that my work will not be impacted. I was so wrong. My division was changed without consulting me. The relief approved by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) was quashed by the organisation. Even the police has claimed that TERI is not cooperating in the investigations.

Pachauri Sexual Harassment Survivor

The survivor has in previous interviews to The Quint repeatedly stated that Pachauri’s sacking was a hogwash. Despite being held guilty by the ICC of TERI, Pachauri continued to head the organisation. The ICC that held RK Pachauri guilty of sexual harassment was reconstituted. The survivor alleges that Pachauri was given a free run and this ensured she has no option but to quit.

He has been the Director General of TERI for the past 30 years and more. He holds the most powerful and influential post in the entire organisation. The senior staff worship him and many would work in fear. He is extremely well connected, not just in the country but globally and does exercise tremendous clout.

Pachauri Sexual Harassment Survivor

The survivor claims that it was not just her, but even friends and colleagues at TERI who were kept under the scanner. She alleges that all communication with colleagues was monitored and computers watched over.

My colleagues and friends at the organisation were stone-walled and questioned for several days. Questions were also raised about my family background. Computers of those who were close to me were watched by the IT Department at TERI.

Pachauri Sexual Harassment Survivor

Refusing to divulge any details of her future employment plans or reveal details of her financial condition, the survivor states that she has been on unpaid leave for the last five months. Determined to take this fight to a conclusion, she says this is a fight for dignity now and she will not give up.

Whether from the inside or the outside, I will fight this out and see it through. However, having quit TERI certainly does make me feel much lighter. I feel stronger after having disassociated myself from TERI.

Pachauri Sexual Harassment Survivor