JUDGMENT

MADHU JAIN, J.

1. This petition has been filed, challenging the Order dated 20.11.2024 passed by the learned Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Tribunal’) in O.A. No. 719/2023, titled Naresh v. Union of India & Ors. (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Impugned Order’), whereby the O.A. filed by the respondent herein was allowed.

FACTS OF THE CASE

2. The factual matrix of the case is that the respondent was appointed to the post of Workshop Foreman at the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT), Guwahati, on 10.08.2020 on a direct recruitment basis. Subsequently, by a Complaint dated 02.12.2021 submitted by a 2^nd year girl student of the said Institute, the respondent was accused of serious misdemeanor towards girl students.

3. In order to inquire into the said allegations of misdemeanors, the Director of the Institute constituted an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) as contemplated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the respondent was placed under suspension, vide Order dated 09.12.2021 in terms of sub-rule (2) of Rule 10 of the Central Civil Serv