Woman activists demand sacking of Pachauri, protest outside TERI office

New Delhi: Demanding sacking of R K Pachauri, who is facing sexual harassment charges, several woman activists today demonstrated outside the green body's office here where its Governing Council was meeting to decide on the "roles and responsibility" in the organisation.

The activists also submitted a memorandum demanding sacking of Pachauri who proceeded on leave from TERI University on Thursday. Several students have refused to accept degrees from him to protest against his elevation to the post of Executive Vice Chairman.

"Another woman came out yesterday alleging that Pachauri is a serial harasser. The people, facing sexual harassment charges, are sacked, not elevated. We are protesting peacefully as meeting of governing body is on. We want to talk to them that Pachauri should be sacked immediately," a protester said.

Some alumni of 2013-2015 batch had earlier written to acting Vice Chancellor of TERI University Rajiv Seth, saying the recent "inaction" of the board of management at TERI University with respect to Pachauri "deeply saddened" them.

Earlier this week, another ex-employee levelled allegation of sexual harassment against Pachauri, who is currently out on bail. President of All India Democratic Women's Association Subhashini Ali said no matter how eminent the person is, an alleged sexual offender needs to be punished.

"It is very difficult for women to lodge a complaint and to lodge it against someone who is superior is even more difficult. Women have been told to keep quiet because they are very eminent people. If they were sexual offender, they need to be punished no matter how eminent they are," she said.

TERI had on Thursday said that Pachauri was elevated to ensure a "smooth transition" for Ajay Mathur, who has been appointed the new Director General of the organisation.