The six former lecturers and a supporting staff of the College of Language and Culture Studies (CLCS) in Trongsa, who were compulsorily retired without any benefits in May this year for alleged sexual harassment, filed a case against the CLCS and Royal University of Bhutan at the Trongsa District Court today.
During the Miscellaneous Hearing today, the petitioner, represented by a lawyer submitted to the court alleging that the college authorities issued them compulsory retirement order without even giving them an opportunity to be heard. When the termination orders were issued, some of them were not even in the college. They allege that the college authorities violated the due process and principles of natural justice.
They also allege that the RUB Rules which govern them also require that due process should be followed before they reach a decision. Moreover, the police did not find any evidence of wrongdoing by them.
The petitioners have requested the court that they be reinstated with all the benefits. The petitioners have also sought six months salary for wrongful dismissal in accordance with the Labour and Employment Act. In addition to compensation for harassment and defamation, they have also sought the legal cost of Nu 1.9 M.
On 13th of the August, after the police investigating the allegations dropped all charges against them, seven of them submitted a reinstatement application to the college They, however, received a letter from the college on 29th of September saying they won’t be reinstated as the college took the administrative decision for breaching the code of conduct of teacher and there will be no alteration in the decision unless they process through the court.
Passang
