justification for imposition of penalty in the case of sexual harassment,

9. What is the justification for imposition of penalty in the case of sexual harassment, based on the report of the Complaints Committee without initiating any proceedings under Rule 14 of the CCA Rules? Cases relating to sexual harassment are covered under the proviso the Rule 14(2) which is extracted hereunder: Provided that where there is a complaint of sexual harassment within the meaning of rule 3 C of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, the Complaints Committee established in each ministry or Department or Office for inquiring into such complaints, shall be deemed to be the inquiring authority appointed by the disciplinary authority for the purpose of these rules and the Complaints Committee shall hold, if separate procedure has not been prescribed for the complaints committee for holding the inquiry into the complaints of sexual harassments, the inquiry as far as practicable in accordance with the procedure laid down in these rules. As the employee had been provided reasonable opportunity of defence before the Complaints Committee he cannot complain of denial of reasonable opportunity of defence.