LAHORE: A sessions court on Wednesday summoned the Okara University vice chancellor for indictment in a private complaint filed by the university`s woman teacher over alleged harassment, defamation and misuse of authority.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Abdul Ghaffar conducted the hearing of the private complaint under sections 499, 500, 501, 502 and 34 of the PPC against university VC Dr Sajjad Mubin and PRO Shar jeel Ahmad.

Advocate Safdar Shaheen Pirzada appeared on behalf of complainant Dr Shehla Honey. The court could not frame charges against the vice chancellor due to his absence. However, the other defendant was present in the hearing. The court summoned both defendants again for indictment on Nov 10.

The complainant alleged that the vice chancellor harassed her after she refused to comply with his inappropriate demands. She alleged that he withheld her salary and tenure-track system benefits and obstructed her promotion.

She claimed that after returning from a postdoctoral fellowship abroad, she was unjustifiably denied permission to rejoin her position.

She also alleged that the vice chancellor and the public relations officer damaged her reputation through the varsity`s official website and social media platforms. She asked the court to impose a strict punishment on both defendants in accordance with the law. Staff Reporter