Setting Aside IC’s Inquiry Report Does Not Give Rise to Criminal Liability Against its Members: Pune Magisterial Court
On 16 July 2026, a Pune Magisterial Court held that the setting aside of an Internal Committee's (IC) inquiry report by an appellate authority does not, by its ...
Parallel Inquiry Process under POSH Act: Legality and Permissibility
Can there be a parallel inquiry process under POSH Act for the redressal of complaints of workplace sexual harassment? The Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prev ...
Maharashtra Government Releases Notification for POSH Compliance Inspection
The Government of Maharashtra recently released a Notification that provides a comprehensive checklist for an audit under the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (P ...
In the Courts: PoSH Act in April 2026
Introduction April 2026 has produced a cluster of significant judicial pronouncements under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibi ...
The India MNC Sexual Harassment & Religious Conversion Case: A Legal Analysis
Disclaimer:1. This analysis has been prepared solely based on information currently available in the public domain, including media reports concerning Tata ...
Case Study on POSH Act: They Met Online… But Things Got Complicated at Work
Complaint & Background: A and B met on a dating app. Both were working professionals at the same company though in totally different teams, ...
Clarification on Proposed ‘POSH Audits’ in Maharashtra
Context:Recent media reports have claimed that the Maharashtra State Commission for Women has “called for mandatory POSH audits in workplaces across Maharashtr ...
Comprehensive SHe-Box Registration Guide
Click here to jump to instructions for uploading Annual Report on the Portal The information presented on this page has been compiled from mul ...
Proposed Amendment to the POSH Law in 2024: Overview and Current Status
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and Rules, 2013 (“POSH Law”) was enacted to provide a safe and se ...
BRSR Reporting and POSH Law Disclosures: What You Need to Know while filing for FY 2024 – 25
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework has introduced new compliance and disclosure obligations starting this year, includin ...
Supreme Court’s Decision on Sakshi v. Union of India
Brief: The Apex Court entertained a PIL regarding expansion of interpretation of ‘rape’ under Section 375 IPC and expand procedural application under Sections ...
Bombay HC: Comments on JCB to manage Hair Not Sexual Harassment
The Hon’ble Bombay High Court held that that Petitioner’s comment “you must be using JCB to manage your hair” did not qualify as sexual harassment under the PO ...
Facebook Friend Request from Police
Introduction In yet another news that made netizens sceptical of the law enforcement, the Bombay High Court chastised a police officer for sending a f ...
Revisiting Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan
Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan: Case Facts, Guidelines & Legacy Among all the cases in the legal history of India, there has been no other such signifi ...
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 Click on the tabs below to open the Sections - Introduction Chapter ...
Celebrate International Women’s Day with POSH at Work
As we approach International Women's Day, it's a time to reflect on the incredible progress women have made in the workforce over the past century. Wo ...
Come on, no one will know!
2024 was a bit unique for me. I had multiple cases in which respondents (cis-men) asked complainants (cis-women as well as trans-women) to: Show their uppe ...
Case Study on POSH Act: She filed a sexual harassment complaint when she couldn’t return my money!
Complaint & Background: The complainant accused the respondent of persistent sexual harassment over months, trying to pressurise her into a relationship de ...
An Arbitration Clause in Cases of Sexual Harassment Cases is Unenforceable- United States of America
John v. Everyrealm Date of Order – 24th February 2023 Court: U.S District Court for the Southern District of New York An Arbitration Clau ...
POSH and Political Parties: A Deeper Dive
Introduction In 2022, Kerala High Court held that the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Ac ...
If Men Menstruated, It Would Be a Different Story
Introduction “If men menstruated, they would understand” opined Hon’ble Justice B.V. Nagarathna while questioning Madhya Pradesh High Court (“MP HC”) on i ...
Sexual Harassment in Higher Educational Institutions
Sexual harassment poses a significant challenge in higher education, impacting the social, emotional, and academic well-being of staff, faculty, and students. ...
Decency is Not What You Think is Within Yourself; It is How Your Action Makes Others Feel: Madras HC on Unwelcome Behaviour
Brief: The Madras High Court held that feelings of the Complainant matter more than intentions of the Respondent, statement of witnesses and even virtual evide ...
Supreme Court: Notice to Centre Seeking Response on Security Measures for Private Sector IC Members
Brief: The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Union Government seeking its response to an PIL filed for security of IC members in private companies. Case ...
POSH Annual Return Filing: Complete Compliance Guide 2025–26
What is the POSH Annual Return? Section 21 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act, 201 ...
Applicability of the POSH Act on Gig Workers
The gig economy is booming, reshaping how we think about work. But with this shift comes a critical question: Are gig workers protected under the Sexual Harass ...
Kerala HC: Remarks on a Woman’s Physique is Sexual Harassment
Brief: Recently, Kerala High Court passed a judgement whereby it added “remarks or comments on a woman’s body structure” within the ambit of Section 354A(1)(iv ...
Delhi Government Notification: Mandatory Establishment of Internal Committees
The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has issued an order dated 06-01-2025 emphasizing compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Wo ...
Trivializing the Severity of Sexual Harassment through Misguided Terminology
A couple of months ago, a participant in a prevention of sexual harassment at workplace training session threw a curveball at me, questioning why the Preventio ...
Delhi HC on Women’s Safety in Public Transport
Brief: Delhi High Court dismissed a revision petition after hearing of the crass incident where the Petitioner sexually assaulted the Complainant in public. Ap ...
Complainant is Definitely a “Concerned Party”: SC Imposes Rs. 25000 on BSF for Omission to Adhere with Section 13 POSH Act
Brief: - Supreme Court imposed a penalty of Rs. 25,000 on BSF for violation of Section 13 of the POSH Act. Case Description X v. Union ...
Newsflash: SC’s Directions on Nationwide POSH Survey
While monitoring the implementation of its directions, given in the case of Aureliano Fernandes v. State of Goa (Civil Appeal No. 2482 of 2014), the Apex Court ...
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 covers discrimination based on sexual orientation. (-Supreme Court of the United States
Bostock v. Clayton County 2020 U.S. LEXIS 3252 Date of Order: 15th June 2020 Court: Supreme Court, United State of America In this l ...
Promoting Equality and Inclusivity Through POSH Compliance: Fostering a Cultural Shift and Empowering Employees
In today's evolving workplace, the pursuit of equality and inclusivity has become a priority for organisations aiming to create a positive and respectful envir ...
Written Complaint is Mandatory for Initiation of a POSH Inquiry: Kerala HC
Brief: The Kerala High Court, while entertaining a writ petition, revisited its old judgement where it allowed oral POSH complaints in certain cases. In its la ...
Improving Workplace Productivity Through POSH Compliance: Reducing Distractions and Enhancing Team Cohesion
In today’s fast-paced business world, productivity is the lifeblood of any successful organisation. While numerous strategies are employed to improve efficienc ...
Unlocking IC Effectiveness: The Power of Capacity Building Programs
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, internal mechanisms for handling issues such as sexual harassment are more critical than ever. At the heart of these mec ...
Madras HC on Gender Sensitization Programmes under POSH
In this beautiful judgement, the Madras High Court observed and opined on the need for gender sensitization awareness and training programme. It analysed three ...
Enhancing Employer Reputation Through POSH Compliance: The Impact on Employer Branding and Stakeholder Confidence
In today’s competitive business landscape, a company’s reputation is one of its most valuable assets. Beyond profitability and growth, an organisation’s commit ...
Step-by-Step Guide to Complete POSH Compliance Before the Year-End Filing!
What You Need to Complete Before Year-End Ensure your organization meets the 31st December 2024 deadline for smooth Annual Report submission. POS ...
Case Study on POSH Act: I love you but just as a father…
Background The complainant alleged that the respondent persistently harassed her for months, attempting to coerce her into a relationship despite her ...
Punishment Fits the Crime: Wednesbury Principle and Proportionality in IC’s Recommendations
Introduction What happens when you use a sledgehammer to crack a nut or when you use a cannon to shoot a sparrow? Do either of the acts appear reasonable t ...
Case Study on POSH Act: What if I lose my job…?
Background The complainant alleged that when she came by bus for her night shift on the day of the alleged incident, she was approached by the respond ...
Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: The Power of Early Intervention and Clear Reporting Mechanisms
Apart from being a legal requirement, preventing sexual harassment at work becomes an important strategy towards creating a conducive environment for work. Orga ...
Conciliation is Must Before an Inquiry: Madhya Pradesh HC on the Mandatory Nature of Section 10 POSH Act
Madhya Pradesh High Court held that it is mandatory for Internal Committee to try and resolve the dispute between parties involved in POSH complaint through co ...
Notification for Annual Reports under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and Rules, 2013 in District Gurugram
The Office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Officer, Gurugram, has issued an important notification dated 04/11/2024 to remind all government ...
Creating a Safe Work Environment: The Crucial Role of POSH Act Training in Employee Well-being
In today's dynamic work environment, the importance of a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace cannot be overstated. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Work ...
Notification for Workplaces in Nagpur: Formation and Registration of Internal Committees
The Office of Additional Labor Commissioner in Nagpur has issued a new notification dated 26/09/2024 for all Organizations with ten or more employees in Nagpur ...
Karnataka Government Notification: 24×7 Operation of Shops and Establishments and Constitution of Internal Committee
The Government of Karnataka has issued a notification dated 27/09/2024 allowing all shops and commercial establishments in the state, employing ten or more per ...
Notification for Workplaces in Gurugram: Formation of Internal Committees and furnishing of the details
The Office of Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Officer in Gurugram has issued a new notification on 03/09/2024 for all Organizations with ten or mor ...
Disproportionate Punishment of Indefinite Expulsion Will Result in “Academic Death”: Bombay HC Reconsiders Punishment for Student Expelled on Grounds of Sexual Harassment
Brief: Bombay High Court upheld the expulsion of a law student, who had been held guilty of sexual harassment on multiple occasions. However, it changed the pe ...
POSH Act Compliance: Why Regular Training is Essential for Every Organisation
Most organisations know they need a POSH policy and an Internal Committee. What often gets overlooked is that compliance is an ongoing responsibility, not a on ...
Supreme Court on Employers Facing Allegations of Abetment to Suicide of Employees: Sentimental Ties Cannot be Equated with Professional Relationships
Brief: Supreme Court laid down certain guidelines for dealing with cases of abetment to suicide. The test established in this case would help the courts in nav ...
OLA is ‘Employer’ and not ‘Intermediary’: Karnataka HC Expands Definition of ‘Employee’ under POSH to Include Driver Subscribers and their Relationship with Cab Aggregators
Brief: Karnataka High Court held that OLA is not an intermediary portal for cab drivers to render their services. As per the POSH Act, it is an ‘employer’, and ...
We just Fire
It’s that time of the year again when organizations start gearing up towards completion of their POSH compliances. While most are seriously interested, compani ...
Can you just give us a Certificate?
It’s that time of the year again when organizations start gearing up towards completion of their POSH compliances. While most are seriously interested, com ...
Lights, Camera, Exploitation: Justice Hema Committee’s Findings on Women in Malayalam Cinema
Introduction The Justice Hema Committee, established by the Kerala government in July 2017, marked a pioneering effort to investigate issues faced by wome ...
Supreme Court: Lack of safety norms at medical establishments is a concern for national interest
Case Description: In Re: Alleged Rape and Murder Incident of a Trainee Doctor in R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata and Related Issues&nbs ...
Are Employers in Ontario Vicariously Liable for Sexual Harassment Cases?
Outlined below is the analysis of Order dated 22nd March 2022 in Incognito v. Skyservice Business Aviation Inc. and Peter Bromby, 2022, ONSC 1795, passed by Ve ...
Credibility of Witnesses or Credibility of The Complaint: The Test of Burden of Probabilities
The case of Omeltchenko v His Majesty the King in Right of Alberta, 2023 AHRC 18 vide Order dated 9th February 2023 sheds light on the importance of credibilit ...
The Dug-Up Graves: Justice Hema Committee Reports and its Revelations
Introduction This year has not been kind to the Malayalam movie industry. The release of the justice Hema Committee report, in its least redacted form, has ...
Navigating Wrongful Termination and the Nexus between Sexual Harassment Claims
In Clara Kingston v. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and others, 2023 BCHRT 68 vide Order dated 30th June 2023, the court navigated between wrongful termination and n ...
Karnataka High Court on Responsibility of Cab Aggregators in cases of Sexual Harassment Complaints against driver (OLA Case)
Case Description Tanvi Sinha v. Internal Complaints Committee & Ors. Karnataka High Court Case Type: Writ Petition Case ...
Navigating Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Laws in Bangladesh: Insights from Tasmiah Nuhiya Alamin, Partner at FM Associates
About Tasmiah Nuhiya Alamin Tasmiah Nuhiya Alamin is a seasoned lawyer with experience in legal consultancy, dispute resolution, and international com ...
Case Study on POSH Act: I will apologise…but…
Background The complainant was terminated from employment at the organization due to downsizing. However, as per her complaint, even though she was ge ...
Case Study on POSH Act: Okay! I don’t want to be friendly any more…
Background The Complainant met the Respondent initially during a routine task. As per complaint, the Respondent engaged in seemingly harmless conversa ...
The Power of Words – Understanding the Line Between Compliments and Sexual Harassment
Background A, a new employee at a consulting firm, has been working closely with B, a senior consultant, on various projects. During a team meeting, B ...
Navigating Boundaries – When Asking for a Date Becomes Sexual Harassment
Background A, a marketing executive at a tech company, recently started working on a project with B, a senior developer. They had a few successful mee ...
Central Government Advisory: Online Gaming Safety for Parents and Teachers
In today's technology-driven world, online gaming has become extremely popular among children due to its engaging challenges, but this can lead to addiction as ...
Key Highlights of India’s New Criminal Laws
Introduction India's new criminal laws represent a transformative step toward building a justice system that is more accessible, efficient, and inclus ...
Navigating Allegations of Sexual Harassment Amidst a Prior Romantic History
Background Ms. A, an employee in the marketing department, has filed a complaint against her supervisor, Mr. B, a senior manager. The complaint allege ...
Challenges of Maintaining Anonymity in Sexual Harassment Inquiry Process
Background In the case of ABC Corporation, a sexual harassment complaint has been filed against a senior manager, X, by one of their subordinates, Y. ...
Karnataka High Court: Writing a colleague’s phone number on the walls of the gents’ toilet labelled as that of a call girl amounts to outraging her modesty
Case Description Alla Baksha Patel v. State of Karnataka & Ors. High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru Case type: Criminal Petitio ...
Karnataka HC on sexual harassment and unequal distribution of power in doctor-patient relationship
Case Description Dr. Chethan Kumar S. v. State of Karnataka & Anr. Karnataka High Court Case Type: Criminal Petition Ca ...
Calcutta High Court on Allowing Delays in Filing Sexual Harassment Complaints
Case Description Vaneeta Patnaik v. State of West Bengal & Ors. Calcutta High Court Case Type: Writ Petition Date of Or ...
Madras HC: Disciplinary Authority is bound by the findings of the Internal Committee
Case Description Samuel Tennyson v. Principal & Secretary, MCC Madras High Court Case Type: Writ Appeal Case No.: Writ ...
J&K and Ladakh High Court on Settling Sexual Harassment Cases Registered as Crimes
Case Description X v. Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir & Ors. High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Case Type: Crimin ...
Workplace Harassment – Navigating the fine line between ‘emoji’ communication
While we meticulously choose a single or a combination of colourful pixilated characters to represent our emotions without using words, also known as emojis, w ...
Calcutta HC: Addressing an unknown lady as “darling” is sexually coloured
Case Description Janak Ram v. The State Calcutta High Court Case Type: Criminal Revision Petition Case No: CRR/29/202 ...
Madras High Court on Exploring the Boundaries of Privacy in Public Judgments (Right to be forgotten)
Case Description Karthick Theodore v. Madras High Court Madurai Bench of Madras High Court Case Type: Writ Appeal Case No.: ...
Case Study: Conflicting Allegations and Multiple Witness Narratives
Background: During an office party, a disturbing incident unfolded when A allegedly made sexually colored remarks to B over the phone. A raised this allegation ...
Case Study: Sexual Harassment in Workplace or Workplace Romance Gone Wrong?
Background: A, an employee in the company, filed a complaint against B, another colleague, accusing B of manipulating A into a relationship. A asserted that ...
Karnataka HC: Not giving a party opportunity to defend himself amounts to violation of Principles of Natural Justice
Case Description H. Manjunath v. Karnataka State Bar Council Karnataka High Court Case Type: Writ Petition Case No.: ...
SC on Disciplinary Inquiry and Central Complaint Committee
Brief: This judgement of Supreme Court highlighted and explained nuances of hearsay evidence, power of Central Committee and Test of Prejudice. ...
Allahabad HC on admissibility of illegally recorded conversations
Case Brief Name of Court: Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench Parties: Mahant Prasad Ram Tripathi @ M.P.R. Tripathi v. State of U.P. thru C.B ...
Delhi High Court: Gender-specific laws are not meant to be “anti-opposite gender,” but is designed to address the unique issues faced by a particular gender.
Name of Court: Delhi High Court Parties: Varun Bhatia v. State & Anr. Case No.: Crl. Rev. P. 1032/2018 & Crl. M.A. 48099/2018 & ...
Delhi HC: POSH Act is gender specific, not anti-men
Case Brief Name of Court: Delhi High Court Parties: Varun Bhatia v. State & Anr. Case No.: Crl. Rev. P. 1032/2018 & Cr ...
Uttarakhand HC: Accused directed to plant 50 trees in lieu of compounding sexual harassment offence under IPC
Case Brief Name of Court: Uttarakhand High Court Parties: Neeraj Kirola v. State of Uttarakhand & Anr. Case No.: C482 No. 1437 o ...
Supreme Court: Immense global influence of messages in the age of social media dominance
Case Brief Parties: S. Ve. Shekher v. Al. Gopalsamy & Ors. Case No.: Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (Crl.) No(s). 9522-9525/2023 ...
Calcutta HC: Writ petition seeking issuance of directions to the Calcutta HC for complying with POSH Act dismissed as premature
Case Brief Name of Court: Calcutta High Court Parties: Senjuti Chakrabarti v. Ld. Registrar General, High Court at Calcutta & Ors. ...
P&H HC: Objections to be raised before the disciplinary authority when show cause issued
Case Brief Name of Court: High Court of Punjab & Haryana at Chandigarh Parties: Narinder Singh Sandhu v. State of Punjab & Another&nb ...
P&H HC: Objections to be raised before the disciplinary authority when show cause issued
Case Brief Name of Court: High Court of Punjab & Haryana at Chandigarh Parties: Narinder Singh Sandhu v. State of Punjab & Another&nb ...
Madras HC: Forwarding messages implies acknowledgment, especially by influential individuals, risking criminal liability for breaching public peace and tranquillity
Case Brief Parties: S. Ve. Shekher v. Al.Gopalsamy, President & Ors. Case No.: Crl.O.P.(MD) Nos.11494 & 12163 of 2018 Crl.O.P.Nos.509 ...
Bombay High Court: WhatsApp Communication and Responsible Posting
Industry: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act; Information Technology Act, 2000 Court: Bombay High Court, Nagpur Benc ...
Rouse Avenue Court: Exploring the Limitations of Anonymous Witnesses in POSH Act Inquiries
Case Number – X v. Internal Committee & Ors. (RCA DJ NO. 02/22) Date of Judgement: 06.07.2023 Reference Chart Position of Parti ...
Jurisdictional Boundaries in Workplace Harassment: Delhi High Court Upholds Tribunal’s Decision
Case No.: Dr. Sohail Malik v. Union of India & Anr. arising out of W.P.(C) 8624/2023 & CM APPL. 32735/2023, CM APPL. 32736/2023 Court: Delhi H ...
Supreme Court: PIL for Protection of Complainants from Retaliation at Workplace
Court: Supreme Court of India Case No: Sunita Thawani v. Union of India & Ors. arising out of W.P. Civil 644/2023 Date of Order: 07.07.20 ...
Rouse Avenue Court: The Complexity of Consent: Understanding the Difference between Explicit Consent, ‘No,’ and Implied Consent
Industry: Education | Court: Rouse Avenue Court, Delhi Case No: Dr. R. K. Pachauri v. Union of India & Ors. arising out of RCA DJ No: 5/23&nb ...
Central Administrative Tribunal, Bengaluru: Central Departmental proceedings can continue during the pendency of criminal proceedings
Case Brief Case No. - M.G. Karan & ors. v Union of India arising out of OA - 170/00289/2022 Court - Central administrative Tribunal, Bang ...