What Laws Protect Women From Harassment At Work In India?

In India, there are several legal protections in place to safeguard women against workplace harassment. These laws are designed to provide a safe working environment and ensure that women can work without fear of harassment. Below are the key legal protections:

Key Legal Protections

• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: Commonly known as the POSH Act, this is the primary law aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment at the workplace. It mandates that employers set up Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in organizations with 10 or more employees to handle complaints of harassment.
• Indian Penal Code (IPC) – Section 354A: This section defines and penalizes sexual harassment. Offenders can face imprisonment of up to 3 years or fines, depending on the severity of the offense.
• The Constitution of India – Articles 14, 15, and 21: These articles guarantee equality, prohibit discrimination based on gender, and protect the right to life and personal dignity, indirectly addressing workplace harassment issues.
• The Companies Act, 2013: This law encourages gender diversity on boards and mandates certain corporations to have women directors, promoting a more inclusive work environment.

Legal Remedies

• Filing a Complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): Under the POSH Act, women can file complaints directly with the ICC set up within their workplace. The committee must conduct a fair investigation and provide recommendations to the employer for action.
• Filing a Police Complaint: In serious cases, women can file an FIR with the police under Section 354A of the IPC if the harassment involves criminal offenses like assault or stalking.
• Approaching a Court: Women can also take legal action through civil courts, either for damages or to challenge employer inaction on harassment complaints.

Summary

India has robust legal protections, such as the POSH Act and IPC provisions, to protect women from workplace harassment. Women can file complaints with ICCs, approach the police, or take legal action to ensure their rights are protected.