Accuser resigned, new director-general appointed, but RK Pachauri still maintains grip on Teri

Former Teri chief, R K Pachauri, facing allegations of sexual harassment, is now at the centre of another controversy, with a report suggesting that there could be concerns over the ‘independent functioning’ of Teri because of Pachauri’s continued involvement in its affairs. According to a report in the Economic Times , Ajay Mathur, who has replaced Pachauri as director-general of the organization, has raised these concerns after the latter was appointed as the executive vice-chairman of the governing council.

Mathur may even had a rethink about taking up the assignment as the director-general of Teri and had sent two e-mails asserting that the post needs to have full control, according to the report.

The Indian Express has quoted sources as saying that Pachauri has demanded that he should be made chairman of Teri with executive powers.

The development comes even as the official, who made the allegations against Pachauri, resigned from the organisation . She said Teri had failed to do ’the bare minimum’ to ensure that she was not impacted and that it did not uphold her interests as an employee. The complainant is reported to have said in her resignation letter that it is ‘becoming clear’ that the governing council works for the director-general and under his instructions.

In July, Pachauri was said to have returned to office at Teri , and the minutes of a meeting had reportedly recorded that the DG (Pachauri) had chaired the meet. The committee of directors had extended a warm welcome to him as well. This was after a court passed an order allowing him to ‘physically attend’ all offices of Teri, except the head office and the one at Gurgaon.

In arguments before the court, his lawyer had reportedly said that he did not require re-appointment, as he was merely on leave. However, it remained unclear as to why a court order was required if he had not stepped down in the first place.