Delhi HC reinstates woman fired for lodging sexual harassment complaint against Sahitya Akademi Secretary

The Delhi High Court has directed the Sahitya Akademi to reinstate a woman employee who was terminated after filing a sexual harassment complaint against the institution’s secretary.

The woman, appointed on probation, alleged repeated harassment, including sexual advances and threats of dismissal for non-compliance.

The court held that her termination while the complaint was pending constituted clear retaliation and was illegal.

It ordered her reinstatement with full back wages, emphasising zero tolerance for victimisation under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act.