Supreme Court Criticizes Lack of Compliance with Sexual Harassment Law

The Supreme Court of India has expressed displeasure over the lack of compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, also known as the PoSH Act. During a recent hearing, the apex court noted that many organizations and institutions across the country have failed to fully implement the provisions mandated by the law.

The PoSH Act, which came into effect in 2013, requires all workplaces with more than 10 employees to set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address sexual harassment complaints. The law also mandates regular training and awareness programs for employees to prevent incidents of sexual harassment.

However, the Supreme Court observed that despite the law being in place for nearly a decade, many workplaces have not constituted ICCs or conducted the necessary training. The court emphasized that non-compliance with the PoSH Act not only violates the law but also puts women employees at risk of facing sexual harassment without proper redressal mechanisms.

Why this matters: The Supreme Court's observations highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of the PoSH Act to ensure a safe and dignified work environment for women across India. Non-compliance with the law perpetuates a culture of impunity and leaves women vulnerable to sexual harassment in the workplace.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court directed state governments and regulatory bodies to take proactive measures to ensure compliance with the PoSH Act. The court also called for periodic audits and inspections of workplaces to verify the implementation of the law's provisions.

The Supreme Court's criticism of the lack of compliance with the PoSH Act serves as a wake-up call for organizations and institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of their women employees. The court's directive to state governments and regulatory bodies is expected to lead to stricter enforcement of the law and hold non-compliant workplaces accountable for their failure to prevent and address sexual harassment.

Key Takeaways

• Supreme Court expresses displeasure over lack of PoSH Act compliance
• PoSH Act mandates ICCs and training in workplaces with >10 employees
• Many workplaces have not constituted ICCs or conducted required training
• Court directs state govts and regulators to ensure PoSH Act compliance
• Lack of compliance perpetuates sexual harassment risk for women employees