PANAJI
A two-member inquiry committee of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA), inquiring into allegations of sexual harassment against a coach, has not found any substance in the case. A police inquiry also did not establish the allegations.
The development was submitted to the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Thursday which heard two intervention petitions into a main plea “ disposed of in December 2024 - that challenged the decision of the Inspector General of Societies for stalling the holding of the special general body meeting.
With the disposal of the main petition filed by the GCA President, it paved the way for holding the meeting on a condition that all agenda items including pending ones be taken up for discussion.
Two intervention petitions were filed by separate petitioners -- one alleging that GCA had failed to conduct an inquiry into sexual harassment charges against the coach and another seeking appointment of an Ombudsman.
When the intervention petitions came up for hearing on Thursday, the High Court ruled that these did not survive in light of its earlier order in December 2024. The Bench stated that all agenda items had been duly considered during the meeting and resolutions were passed.
The respondents had earlier contended that the allegations were baseless and that the petitioner could file a separate petition if required. They also pointed out that a police inquiry had already found no evidence of sexual harassment with committee’s report also not mentioning any such allegations.
The GCA further informed the High Court that it is already in the process of appointing an Ombudsman.
