Will work to ensure sensitivity to gender: RK Pachauri

New Delhi, July 17: Expressing "delight" over a court order allowing him to enter his office, TERI Director General R K Pachauri, accused of sexual harassment, today said he will work towards ensuring a safe workplace for women.

He said that TERI has been his life's work and he remains deeply committed to its mission.

However, activists who had earlier raised questions as to why he had not been suspended by the institution expressed shock over the order and termed him as a "threat" who will try to destroy evidence.

"I am delighted to rejoin my colleagues at TERI and to resume my duties. TERI has been my life's work and I remain deeply committed to its mission and its people. Together we can make even greater contributions to human society through sustainable development based on justice and equity.

"I particularly look forward to further strengthening a culture at TERI that encourages excellence, recognises and rewards merit and ensures a safe and secure workplace that is sensitive to human values and dignity, particularly in respect to gender and social class," Pachauri said in a statement.

I am delighted to rejoin my colleagues at TERI: Pachauri

He said that they can work together for the benefit of humanity. "Together we can act as an agent of change for the benefit of humanity. I intend to achieve this goal by working closely with all stakeholders, including government, business, civil society, research organisations, academia and grassroots organisations."

Pachauri was today allowed by a Delhi court to enter his office premises except the head office here and a branch in Gurgaon.

Additional Sessions Judge Raj Kumar Tripathi allowed the plea to modify the earlier order restricting his entry into the offices of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

74-year-old Pachauri, who shared Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 with former US Vice President Al Gore for work on climate issues, heads TERI, where a woman employee has filed a complaint with the police levelling allegations of sexual harassment.

Meanwhile, Kavita Srivastava, General Secretary PUCL, said that the order comes as a "rude shock" and termed Pachauri as a "threat" as he may try to destroy evidences.

PTI