Lecturer Dismissed Over Harassment Allegations
Islamabad (Report) Federal Ombudsman for Anti-Harassment Ms. Fawzia Waqar has said in an important decision that if a student accuses a teacher of sexual harassment, it is the legal responsibility of the teacher to prove his innocence in such a case.
This order was pronounced on Appeal No. 143 of a lecturer of a Federal Chartered Public Sector University, in which he challenged the decision of dismissal by the university.
Rejecting the appeal, the Ombudsman issued a written decision that under the Prevention of Harassment Act 2010, the inquiry committee has the power to obtain documentary, audio, or video evidence for a full investigation of the matter.
During the investigation, the lecturer refused to provide the inquiry committee with his mobile phone, which was considered important evidence.
Accordingly, the committee found him guilty and recommended dismissal, which the university implemented.
The decision clarified that there is no requirement in the law for the complainant to appear in person to give a statement or face cross-examination, but rather the institution has full authority to take action based on the evidence available.
The Federal Ombudsman wrote that a teacher who is found repeatedly involved in harassing female students has no place in an educational institution.
On this basis, the findings of the inquiry committee were upheld, and the lecturer’s appeal was dismissed.
