INTRODUCTION:
The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act of 2013[1] in India was a significant legislative milestone in recognizing and addressing the pervasive issue of workplace sexual harassment against women. With the enactment of this act, India took a crucial step towards establishing a legal framework for prevention, redressal, and protection against such misconduct, thereby promoting a safe and secure work environment for women. It acknowledged that workplace sexual harassment not only infringes upon harassed women’s rights but also disrupts their professional and personal lives.
While the act was in the right direction, the implementation of the Act has revealed several gaps and limitations that hinder its effectiveness in providing comprehensive protection and support to victims. It is imperative to take into account these shortcomings and undertake reforms to address them. This short article aims to identify these shortcomings while urging for requisite reforms to foster a more inclusive, equitable and secure work environment for all employees, leading to enhanced productivity and well-being for all.
[1]Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013, No. 14, Acts of Parliament, 1949 (India).