The Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment has imposed a fine of Rs2.7 million on five employees of a private company after finding them guilty in a workplace harassment case.
According to the ruling, Rs540,000 will be deposited into the government treasury, while Rs2.16 million will be paid to the complainant as compensation.
The complainant, who worked as an Assistant Product Development Manager at a private chemical company, alleged that several company officials subjected her to inappropriate behaviour.
In her complaint, she said officials engaged in unprofessional conversations, invited her to meet outside the office and, on one occasion, held her hand while showing product samples.
She also alleged that after raising the matter, some company officials attempted to discourage her from pursuing the complaint, failed to preserve CCTV footage, did not establish an anti-harassment committee as required by law and later adopted a threatening attitude.
In its decision, the Federal Ombudsman said a complainant’s personality, dress or social behaviour could not be used as part of the proceedings.
It also stated that courteous behaviour should not be interpreted as consent and that continuing to work or delaying the filing of a complaint could not be used to undermine harassment allegations.
The accused officials denied the allegations. However, after examining witness statements, documentary evidence and other records, the Ombudsman concluded that the allegations of harassment and retaliatory conduct had been proven.
The Ombudsman directed the company to issue the complainant’s experience certificate and clear all outstanding dues, including salary and other benefits, within 15 days.
It also ordered the company to reconstitute its anti-harassment committee in accordance with the law within 30 days.
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