Delhi court allows RK Pachauri to travel to US, Mexico for a month | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Delhi court allows RK Pachauri to travel to US, Mexico for a month

Hindustan Times | By
Jul 11, 2016 12:52 PM IST

The court also granted regular bail to Pachauri, who was on anticipatory bail granted by a local court on March 21, 2015.

Former chief of The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri) and a suspect in a sexual harassment case, RK Pachauri, can travel abroad for more than a month to attend conferences and meetings, a Delhi court ruled on Monday.

RK Pachauri resigned as the chairperson of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) following accusation of sexual harassment. (HT file photo)
RK Pachauri resigned as the chairperson of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) following accusation of sexual harassment. (HT file photo)

Metropolitan magistrate Shivani Chauhan granted the environmentalist permission to travel to Mexico and the United States from July 12 to August 14.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The court also granted regular bail to Pachauri, who was on anticipatory bail granted by a local court on March 21, 2015.

The court took note of the fact that Pachauri was granted permission to travel abroad on earlier occasions and had complied with the conditions set by the court.

Read: Third woman accuses RK Pachauri of sexual harassment

“In these circumstances, the accused (Pachauri) is permitted to travel as per his itinerary from July 12 to August 14,” the court said.

Earlier, the same court had taken cognisance of a chargesheet filed against Pachauri for allegedly molesting and outraging the modesty of a former female colleague.

If convicted, the 75-year-old scientist could face jail term of up to seven years.

An FIR was registered on February 13 last year in connection with the complaint. The investigation in the case is complete and chargesheet was filed earlier this year. Pachauri was never arrested during the investigation in the case.

“This goes to show that ‎his custody is not required for the purpose of the investigation. No fruitful purpose will be served by sending the accused person to jail,” the court said.

During the pendency of the trial, Pachauri was allowed at least 10 times to travel to various countries, including the US, UK, China, Japan, France, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Kuwait, Somalia and Saudi Arabia.

Delhi Police had filed an over 1,400-page charge sheet in the court against Pachauri under sections 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-B(assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 354-D (stalking), 509(word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and 341 (wrongful confinement) of the IPC.

In its charge sheet, Delhi police said Pachauri made sexually coloured remarks upon the complainant on several occasions. It also said Pachauri touched the complainant inappropriately despite clear disinterest and opposition.

The charge sheet also said that the environmentalist sent inappropriate SMSes and WhatsApp messages and e-mails to the complainant. Delhi Police has submitted printouts of the materials along with the charge sheet.

The police have cited around 23 prosecution witnesses, many of whom are present and former employees of Teri.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Soibam Rocky Singh was part of Hindustan Times’ nationwide network of correspondents that brings news, analysis and information to its readers. He no longer works with the Hindustan Times..

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On