TERI asks R K Pachauri to go on indefinite leave

The decision was taken following the meting of the  Governing Council of TERI.

"Dr. R.K. Pachauri, who had been at the Head of the Institute since 1982 will be on leave from TERI, TERI Governing Council, and TERI University till this is reviewed by the Governing Council given the subjudice nature of the matter," TERI said in a statement.

Ashok Chawla has been appointed as the new chairman of the organization.

"The Council welcomed Shri Ashok Chawla (former Finance Secretary to the Government of India and former Chairman of the Competition Commission) as its new Chairman. The Council looks forward to his leadership of this important Institute. The Council also inducted the new Director General, Ajay Mathur, as a Member of the Council who will operate with full executive powers," read the TERI statement.

"The process for the replacement of Dr. Pachauri as Director General of TERI culminated in the appointment of Dr. Ajay Mathur as Director General with full executive powers on 23rd July, 2015. However, as Dr. Mathur was able to join only on 8th February, 2016 after he was finally relieved by the Government of India, the Governing Council effected various interim arrangements so as not to destabilize the operations of the Institute," read the statement.

Pachauri has been accused of sexual harassment by a 29-year-old researcher of TERI.

The environmentalist has denied the accusation leveled against him.

Triggering a controversy, Pachauri was appointed to the post of vice-chairman this week.

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