Defence claims the statements released by Grover's clients are unsubstantiated and prejudicial against Pachauri
RK Pachauri has filed an injunction suit against Supreme Court advocate Vrinda Grover and sought damages of Rs 1 crore. Three media houses have also been served an injunction notice by Pachauri's counsel.
A former analyst from the institute has accused ex-TERI chief Pachauri of sexual harassment. The charge sheet in this matter is up for consideration on April 23 at the Saket District court. Following the first complaint, since July 2015, two other complainants have stepped forward accusing Pachauri of sexually harassing them though no official complaint or FIR has been filed in these matters.
"Vrinda Grover is prejudicing our case by strategically releasing damning and unsubstantiated statements to the media," Ashish Dixit, Pachauri's counsel stated. "Grover refused to accept the summons from a court official when it was sent to her," Dixit added.
Responding to these allegations, Grover stated that she did not refuse any summons. "I was in a conference for another matter and was not around to receive the summons. The court official was requested by the neighbouring office-bearers to come at a later time or the next day," Grover said.
"It is unfortunate that lawyers start spouting half-truths to the media now," Grover said. "Allegations against Pachauri are very serious and need to be addressed on the points. Grover, knows for her cases dealing with women's issues and rights, commented, "Instead of making me the story, perhaps the lawyers should speak about the harsh facts about the case. Why make a tamasha."
Sources close to the defence stated that Grover and her "clients" have been strategically releasing damning statements to the media before crucial court dates. This, a source close to the defence believes, may prejudice the case before the trial even beings.
Rubbishing claims that the statements are prejudicial, Prashant Mendriatta, advocate for the first complainant said, "Who is getting influenced by these statements? The court has not yet taken cognizance of the charge sheet and the trial has not even gone past the first stage." Mendriatta's client, a former research associate at The Energy and Research Institute (TERI), filed an FIR against Pachauri in February 2015.
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