Press Trust Of India Launches Enquiry Against Its Contributor After Madras HC Reporter's Sexual Harassment Allegation

A woman legal journalist covering the Madras High Court for an online portal accused a reporter of the Press Trust of India of sexual harassment. After the woman tweeted that the man had made lewd comments about her dress in the presence of other reporters, the PTI said that it has launched an internal inquiry into the matter.

In its reply to the woman's tweet, PTI stated that the man is not its employee but an independent advocate who occasionally contributes legal stories from Chennai.  

"The person in question is an independent advocate who occasionally contributes to PTI on legal stories from Chennai. As a responsible organisation, which has zero tolerance for such conduct, we have taken serious note of your complaint. An investigation has already begun internally. If necessary, we will sever our relationship with him in accordance with our values and principles. He is not an employee. We also encourage you to make a formal complaint to the appropriate authorities as provided by law", the national news agency tweeted in reply.

The woman later tweeted, "It's important I let everyone know that PTI has been extremely prompt in responding to my complaint. They got in touch with me personally".