Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 16: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has constituted a fact-finding committee to investigate serious allegations of sexual harassment involving women employees at the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) BPO unit in Nashik, Maharashtra.
The commission announced the decision after taking suo motu cognisance of media reports highlighting the alleged incidents. The committee has been tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the case and submitting its report within 10 working days.
According to an official statement, the committee will visit the TCS facility in Nashik on April 18 to carry out an on-site investigation. It will also examine other relevant locations linked to the matter as part of its field assessment.
The panel has been mandated to review the circumstances leading to the allegations, assess the response of concerned authorities, and interact with victims, police officials, company representatives and other stakeholders to collect evidence and statements.
The committee will also identify any procedural or administrative lapses, if present, and recommend appropriate action against those found responsible. It has further been directed to suggest corrective measures aimed at preventing recurrence and strengthening workplace safety mechanisms for women.
The NCW stated that the committee will function under the provisions of Section 10(1) read with Section 10(4) of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. Once the inquiry is completed, the panel will submit its findings to the Commission within the stipulated timeline and present the report in person.
The fact-finding team includes Justice Sadhna Jadhav, retired judge of the Bombay High Court; B.K. Sinha, former Director General of Police, Haryana; Monika Arora, advocate of the Supreme Court; and Lilabati, senior coordinator with the NCW.
The Commission has also noted that the inquiry follows reports which initially emerged from a complaint related to religious practices but later escalated into allegations involving sexual harassment, rape, and coercion related to religious conversion of female employees by individuals in supervisory positions.
Taking the matter seriously, the NCW said it has exercised its statutory powers under the NCW Act, 1990, to ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the allegations.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and dignified working environment for women and stated that further action will be based on the findings of the inquiry committee.
