The Federal Ombudsman for Anti-Harassment has fined five officials of a private company Rs2.7 million after a female worker’s complaint of workplace harassment and retaliation was proven against them.

The officials were found guilty of harassing the woman in multiple ways, including inviting her to meet them outside office hours, touching her hand and failing to preserve CCTV (Close- Circuit Television) footage relevant to the case. Announcing the verdict, the ombudsman noted that harassment and retaliatory conduct at the workplace cannot be tolerated and will carry serious consequences.

The woman had told the ombudsman that individuals holding different positions at the company treated her inappropriately. One official, she said, made personal and unprofessional comments during a meeting, asking her to meet outside the office and holding her hand while showing her a product sample.

A second official photographed her private messages and passed an insulting remark in front of the team. A third blocked her complaint from moving forward and could not produce CCTV footage that he had reportedly seen himself.

According to her account, a fourth official ordered retaliatory action against her and failed to set up an anti-harassment committee as required under law. A fifth allegedly threatened her after she sent a legal notice.

She added that the sustained hostility and pressure eventually forced her to quit, after which her documents and dues were withheld.

The accused denied the allegations during the hearing and instead brought up the woman’s personality, clothing and personal life.

The ombudsman dismissed the arguments, stating that a complainant’s appearance, clothing or social conduct has no relevance to a harassment case. Evidence, witness statements and contradictions in the accused’s own statements established that harassment and retaliation had taken place.

The ombudsman further remarked that polite behaviour does not amount to consent and that delays in filing complaints do not weaken a case. Employers, the ruling said, are responsible for ensuring a safe and dignified workplace for women and harassment or retaliation remains a punishable offence.

Along with the fine, the ombudsman directed the company to reconstitute its anti-harassment committee within 30 days.