Question: What possible punishment can an accused face if convicted pursuant to a harassment complaint made to the Inquiry Committee?
Answer:
The Inquiry Committee can decide the case and penalize the accused for harassment with either a minor penalty or major penalty
Minor penalty includes:
(a) censure; (b) withholding, for a specific period, promotion or increment; (c) stoppage, for a specific period, at an efficiency bar in the time-scale, otherwise than for unfitness to cross such bar; and (d) recovery of the compensation payable to the complainant from pay or any other source of the accused.
Major penalties:
(a) reduction to a lower post or time-scale, or to a lower stage in a time-scale; (b) compulsory retirement; (c) removal from service; (d) dismissal from service; and (e) Fine. A part of the fine can be used as compensation for the complainant. In case of the owner, the fine shall be payable to the complainant.