Well known climate scientist Dr Rajendra Pachauri has been removed as the director general of The Energy and Resources Institute, following charges of sexual harassment against him.
The former head of a United Nations panel on climate change, was accused of assault and criminal intimidation by a female research analyst at the organisation. An internal complaint committee at the institute later found that Pachauri was involved in harassing the employee, and recommended action against him.
The think tank has now replaced him with Ajay Mathur, the current director general of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. “The decision to appoint Dr Ajay Mathur is… the culmination of an extensive search process and an intensive evaluation of candidates from across the globe. The governing council is certain that the 1,200 persons working for TERI in different parts of the world would welcome this development and extend all their support towards a smooth transition,” said the press release.
Pachauri went on leave from TERI after the sexual harassment charge became public in February. Recently, a Delhi court that had restrained him from attending office allowed him to visit TERI premises other than the headquarters and the office in Gurgaon where the alleged victim is currently posted.
Unhappy with the verdict, the alleged victim said the governing council had not addressed her complaint. “They have made it look like it is a routine change of guard. There is no mention of my case. And we do not know whether Pachauri will go immediately or continue for a few more months,” she said.
