| Case ID |
463f1b8a-7307-446e-bfa0-85c6cfe7c5d6 |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
W.P. No. 25460 of 2023 |
| Decision Date |
Mar 27, 2024 |
| Hearing Date |
Mar 27, 2024 |
| Decision |
The Lahore High Court dismissed the petition filed by Muhammad Saleem challenging the major penalty of dismissal from service imposed upon him due to allegations of sexual harassment at the workplace. The court found that the Ombudsperson, Punjab, had properly considered the evidence, including testimonies and recordings submitted by the complainant, which established the allegations against the petitioner. The court ruled that the penalty was justified and not disproportionate to the misconduct alleged. The petitioner's request to convert the dismissal into compulsory retirement was also denied, as the court found no illegality or irregularity in the decisions made by the administrative authorities. |
| Summary |
In the case of W.P. No. 25460 of 2023, the Lahore High Court addressed serious allegations of sexual harassment against Muhammad Saleem, who faced dismissal from his position as Manager at the District Industrial Home in Faisalabad. The court reviewed the complaints filed under the Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2010, which highlighted the necessity for a safe working environment free from intimidation and abuse. The petitioner contested the findings of the Ombudsperson, arguing procedural improprieties and a lack of sufficient opportunity for defense. However, the court upheld the decisions made by the Ombudsperson, emphasizing the importance of maintaining workplace integrity and the legal frameworks designed to protect employees, particularly women, from harassment. The ruling reinforces the court's commitment to upholding laws aimed at preventing workplace harassment and ensuring accountability for misconduct. The case is significant as it reflects ongoing efforts to combat workplace harassment in Pakistan, highlighting the legal protections available under the Constitution and specific legislation aimed at safeguarding women's rights in professional settings. |
| Court |
Lahore High Court
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
Muhammad Sajid Mehmood Sethi, J.
|
| Lawyers |
Mr. Pervaiz Inayat Malik, Advocate,
Ch. Awais Ahmad Qazi, Additional Advocate General
|
| Petitioners |
MUHAMMAD SALEEM
|
| Respondents |
GOVERNMENT OF THE PUNJAB through Chief Secretary, Lahore and 5 others
|
| Citations |
2024 SLD 4002,
2024 PLJ 87
|
| Other Citations |
2023 SCMR 803,
2023 SCMR 407,
2004 SCMR 1170,
2014 SCMR 676,
PLD 2006 SC 53
|
| Laws Involved |
Constitution of Pakistan, 1973,
Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2010
|
| Sections |
34,
199,
2(11)
|