The Governing Council of TERI appointed Ashok Chawla, former Union Finance Secretary and former Chairman of the Competition Commission, as its new chairman. The Council received widespread criticism from the media and women’s rights lawyers after the elevation of climate scientist R.K. Pachauri — indicted in a sexual harassment case — to the post of Executive Vice Chairman.

Mr Pachauri, who has denied allegations against him, had earlier gone on leave from TERI and also stepped down as the chief of the UN’s top body on climate change, the IPCC, and the Prime Minister’s advisory body on climate change.

An internal inquiry committee of TERI found Dr Pachauri guilty of misconduct and he was removed as chief. In July, a court allowed him to visit all but the Delhi and Gurgaon offices of the organization.

The statement confirmed that Mr. Pachauri, who had been at the Head of the Institute since 1982 will be on leave from TERI, TERI Governing Council, and TERI University, till his appointment is reviewed by the Governing Council, given the sub-judice nature of the sexual harassment case. Students graduating from TERI University on March 7 have refused to accept their degrees from Dr Pachauri, who is the chancellor.