The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, enacted in 2013, was a ground-breaking step in ensuring a safe working environment for women across all professional sectors in India. Stemming from the landmark 1997 Vishakha Guidelines established by the Supreme Court, the POSH Act provides a structured approach to addressing and preventing harassment, outlining a series of protocols that organisations must follow to safeguard their employees. Yet, despite the clarity and intent of the law, many employers still resist or partially adopt its provisions due to lingering fears and misunderstandings about its application and impact.
Objectives and Key Provisions of the POSH Act
The POSH Act aims to establish a working environment that is free from sexual harassment by instituting preventive, prohibitive, and redressal measures. The law applies to all workplaces, covering organisations in both the formal and informal sectors, and extends its protection to all employees, irrespective of their role, designation, or employment status.
Key...
