Delhi court directs monitored probe in sexual harassment case against Hero Future Energies officials

A Delhi court on Friday directed a closer supervision on a police probe into allegations of sexual harassment against senior officials of Hero Future Energies, including its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Srivatsan Iyer.

In a order passed on April 17, Judicial Magistrate First Class Neetika Kapoor at the Mahila Court in Saket noted significant gaps in the investigation, including the failure to examine Iyer, who has reportedly left the country.

Additionally, investigating officer Inspector Ajay Kumar acknowledged that no probe had been conducted so far in relation to the CEO.

He further informed the Court that co-accused Mayur Maheshwari had joined the investigation but that the examination of other witnesses was still underway, with several individuals listed by the complainant yet to be examined.

Taking note of the submissions and the admitted lack of progress on crucial aspects of the case, the court directed supervisory intervention by a senior police officer.

“This court deems appropriate to direct ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police) concerned to monitor the investigation henceforth. IO (Investigating Officer) is directed to conduct investigation and examine the witnesses as stated in the list provided by the applicant and interrogate accused Sri Vatsal (Srivatsan Iyer) and file a report by NDOH (Next Date of Hearing),” said the court.

The case arises from a complaint filed by a woman employee alleging sexual harassment at the workplace by a key managerial person and subsequently by Iyer.

According to the complainant, despite multiple complaints and internal inquiries under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, no meaningful action was taken by the company.

The aggrieved woman was further subjected to criminal intimidation and threats intended to deter her from escalating or formally pursuing the matter.

She alleged that the internal complaints process was biased and procedurally flawed. She argued that even though the inquiry found the accused guilty of misconduct amounting to sexual harassment, only minor corrective measures were recommended. She added that the CEO shielded the accused by refusing to accept his resignation and allowing him to continue in the organisation.

Separately, the aggrieved employee also challenged the outcome of the internal proceedings before an industrial tribunal at Rouse Avenue Courts, where she secured an interim order restraining the company from taking any coercive action affecting her employment.

She alleged that despite the directions from court, the company has continued to deny her access to official communication systems and prevented her from attending the workplace.

The matter is listed for further proceedings on June 11.

Advocate Apoorva Pandey represented the aggrieved woman employee.

[Read Order]