Madras HC quashes sexual harassment recommendation based on WhatsApp chats, directs consideration for promotion

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Published 28 October 2026

Case: S.Mathava Kumar vs The Chairman
Court: Madras High Court
Citation: 2026:MHC:4319
Decided: 27 October 2026
Source: Indian Kanoon (Madras HC)

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

In S.Mathava Kumar vs The Chairman, the Madras High Court on 2026-10-27, quashed a recommendation dated 23.10.2020, which was based on a sexual harassment complaint. The Court also directed the consideration of the petitioner's candidature for appointment as Professor in Civil Engineering, finding the complaint against him to be based on WhatsApp conversations.

Ratio Decidendi · Legal Principle Established

The court quashed the recommendation based on a sexual harassment complaint, indicating that the evidence, consisting solely of WhatsApp conversations, was insufficient to sustain the adverse recommendation.

Practice & Procedural Impact for Advocates

Advocates should scrutinize the basis of sexual harassment complaints, particularly when evidence is limited to digital communications. Litigants facing such complaints should ensure their explanations are thoroughly documented and presented during inquiry proceedings.

Key Legal Takeaways

1A recommendation based on a sexual harassment complaint can be challenged if the evidence is weak.
2WhatsApp conversations alone may not be sufficient to substantiate a sexual harassment complaint.
3Courts may direct consideration for promotion if adverse recommendations are found to be flawed.

The Legal Issue S.Mathava Kumar filed two Writ Petitions: W.P.No.17301 of 2020 challenged a recommendation dated 23.10.2020, and W.P.No.29937 of 2023 sought a direction to consider his candidature for appointment as a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering. Both petitions arose from a sexual harassment complaint lodged against him on 03.08.2020. The complaint was based entirely on WhatsApp conversations between the petitioner and the victim from 25.03.2020 to 27.04.2020. An explanation was submitted by the petitioner on 06.09.2020, followed by a virtual inquiry.

Court's Reasoning The Madras High Court considered both Writ Petitions together due to their interconnected nature. The core of the dispute revolved around the validity of the sexual harassment complaint and the subsequent recommendation, which impacted the petitioner's career progression. The court found that the complaint was based solely on WhatsApp conversations. The details of the virtual inquiry and its minutes dated 08.09.2020 were also noted.

What Follows The Madras High Court quashed the recommendation dated 23.10.2020. Furthermore, the court directed the authorities to consider S.Mathava Kumar's candidature for appointment to the post of Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering. This implies that the adverse recommendation stemming from the sexual harassment complaint will no longer impede his promotion prospects.