Sexual Harassment at Workplace

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 (commonly known as POSH Act) was notified on 23rd April, 2013 and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Rules, 2013 were notified on 9th Dec, 2013 (jointly referred to as “Sexual Harassment Laws”).

Applicability of the Act:

Apply to all Employers (viz. individuals, partnerships, LLPs or Companies) in India irrespective of the size, scale, nature of industry or location.

What is Sexual Harassment?

1. Physical contact and advances; or
2. A demand or request for sexual favours; or
3. Making sexually colored remarks; or
4. Showing pornography; or
5. Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature

Events which deemed to be Sexual Harassment

1. Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in her employment; or
2. Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in her employment; or
3. Implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status; or
4. Interference with her work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment for her; or
5. Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety

Compliance's under Sexual Harassment Laws

1. Constituting an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013;
2. The ICC needs to have an external representation from an NGO or a Lawyer or a person having knowledge and experience in such areas.
3. Drafting of the Sexual Harassment Policy and approval of the same by the Board.
4. Convening meetings of the Internal Complaints Committee as and when required
5. Filing of Annual Return under the Act
6. To conduct awareness workshops for the employees and orientation programmes for the ICC in accordance with the Act
7. Investigation of the Complaints made to the Committee and submitting a report thereto;
8. Assistance by the Company to the complainant in filing of FIR or complaint to the police, if required
9. Reporting the complaints received and disposed off, in the Board’s Report along with annual Financial Statements

Penalty for Non Compliance

Non compliance of the provisions of the POSH Act may lead to a penalty of Rs. 50,000 or cancellation of business license.

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