Proceedings in a major sexual harassment case involving senior civil servant, Reny Wilfred, formerly Joint Secretary at IDAN Kohima, are gaining momentum before the Kohima High Court, even as the trial court prepares to move to the stage of framing charges.

Briefing the media at Nagaland Information Commission office, Vrinda Grover, Advocate Supreme Court of India highlighted that more than 10 young women employees of IDAN, mostly contractual staff, have filed serious allegations of sexual harassment against Wilfred.

She informed that the women first approached the Nagaland State Commission for Women, which subsequently alerted the police. A Special Investigating Team (SIT) conducted a detailed probe, after which a charge sheet was filed before the concerned trial court.

Following the registration of the FIR and the filing of the charge sheet, Grover said that Wilfred currently under suspension filed a petition in early 2025 before the Kohima High Court seeking to quash both the FIR and the charge sheet.

The advocate also said that Wilfred not only named the Nagaland State Commission for Women a party in the petition but also individually impleaded three members of the Commission. She said that it was a desperate attempt to intimidate both the victims and the Women’s Commission.

“I appear in Kohima High Court on behalf of the three members and the Nagaland Women’s Commission. We have repeatedly been asking the court to hear the matter, and on each occasion that I have turned up, the other side’s council has sought an adjournment,” she noted.

In her experience, Grover informed that this is usually done because one is hoping that the parties, as well as the lawyers will get exhausted, will give up, will tire out. However, she said neither the Nagaland Women’s Commission nor herself will leave the matter simply because some adjournments are being sought.

She also highlighted that they have filed all their responses and replies. The charge sheet that last filed stands before the concerned trial court details the statements given by the women victims, which make out a categorical, clear case of sexual harassment, molestation, and so both the BNS as well as the Prevention of atrocities Scheduled tribes Act has been invoked in the chargeheet.

“Today before the Honourable High Court, I pointed out that each time the matter is fixed for arguments, on a petition that Reny Wilfred has filed, the council seeks adjournment, the court went through the order sheets and said that the pleadings are almost complete. And the next date that has been given, the other side, the party has been clearly told that they have to ensure that they have an arguing council available, the next date for hearing before the High Court 9th of December. It’s also important to recall that on the last day for hearing, the court clarified in its order that there is no stake on the trial,” she cited.

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Grover mentioned that the trial is now fixed for November 26, and pursuant to that it will be fixed for framing of charge.

Grover said that it is very important for all to know that in cases like this, where there is a man sitting in a position of authority, there are women, many of whom are no longer employed, their contracts are over they have not been given re employment at IDAN.

There are multiple ways in which women are deterred from speaking the truth and giving evidence and testimony in trial court, she said adding, this delay invariably favours the accused.

“Therefore, any machinations to drag and delay the matter will not be from their and they will ensure that the matter moves forward in accordance with the spirit in which the laws have been made to ensure that women get justice, and therefore speedy trial is very necessary,” she said.

The advocate further informed that the High Court has clarified that there is no stay on the trial. The trial court has listed the matter for November 26, following which it will proceed to the framing of charges, the first formal step in commencing the trial.

The charge sheet includes the recorded statements of the victims and invokes Sections 74, 75, and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — relating to sexual harassment, molestation, and obscene physical contact. Section 3(1)(w) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act — applicable because all victims belong to Scheduled Tribes, while the accused does not.

Statements of the women have also been recorded before a magistrate, revealing a clear pattern of misconduct and abuse of authority, the Advocate said.

Addressing women across Nagaland, Grover added, “Sexual harassment is an abuse of power, but women across India are standing up, reporting, and refusing to remain silent. Internal Complaints Committees exist in government offices, and women must know they have the right to speak out and demand justice. The courage shown by these young women in Nagaland is an example of solidarity and strength.”