Why in the news?

• The Supreme Court declined to take into consideration a plea seeking to extend the ambit of the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act to include political parties, observing that such organisations cannot be classified as workplaces under the law.

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013  (POSH Act)

• Purpose:
  • Prevent sexual harassment of women in workplaces.
  • Provide a process for addressing complaints of sexual harassment.
  • Promote a safe and respectful work environment for women.
• The act defines sexual harassment such as:
  • Physical contact and advances
  • Demands or requests for sexual favors
  • Making sexually colored remarks
  • Showing pornography
  • Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature
• Applicability:
  • The Act applies to all workplaces in India, both public and private, regardless of their size.
  • It covers all women (including employees, trainees, and apprentices) working in these organizations.
• Other Provisions:
  • The Act mandates the establishment of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in every organization with ten or more employees.
  • The ICC is responsible for investigating sexual harassment complaints and recommending appropriate action.
  • The Act prescribes a time-bound procedure for investigating and disposing of complaints.
  • The Act provides various penalties for employers failing to comply with it.