Workplace harassment: SHC disposes of KE ex-CEO's plea

Governor overturned ombudsman ruling against Monis Alvi a day before his resignation

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court's constitutional bench on Tuesday disposed of a petition filed by former K-Electric chief executive officer Monis Alvi against a decision of the Provincial Ombudsman on workplace harassment, after the petitioner withdrew his plea.

The court also approved his request for the return of Rs2.5 million deposited as fine. The bench was hearing a petition challenging the ombudsman's order, which had found Alvi guilty of workplace harassment and ordered his removal from the post of CEO along with imposition of a Rs2.5m penalty.

Barrister Abid Zuberi and Ayan Memon Advocate appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioner. They informed the bench that the Sindh governor had accepted an appeal against the ombudsman's decision and set aside the impugned order. Copies of the governor's decision were placed on record.

After examining the documents, the court ordered that the amount deposited in compliance with the earlier order be refunded to the petitioner. The bench subsequently disposed of the petition as withdrawn.

The Provincial Ombudsman had passed the order on a complaint filed by Mehrean, holding Alvi guilty of workplace harassment and awarding the penalty along with his removal from office.