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Posh Law - The Role of Conciliation in POSH Investigations

Not every case of sexual harassment at the workplace needs to culminate in a formal inquiry. The POSH Act , 2013 recognizes that in some situations, the aggrieved woman may prefer a less adversarial resolution. This is where conciliation plays a role offering an opportunity to resolve the complaint amicably, provided certain safeguards are respected. For the Internal Committee (IC), conciliation is a delicate process that requires sensitivity, neutrality, and strict adherence to law. 1. When Conciliation Can Be Considered Conciliation is an option available only at the request of the complainant. The IC cannot suggest or impose conciliation on its own. The request must be made before the start of the formal inquiry process. This ensures that the complainant’s autonomy and comfort remain at the center of decision-making. 2. Prohibited Basis of Conciliation The law expressly forbids monetary settlement as the foundation of conciliation. This is a critical safeguard against misuse and exp...

Impact of POSH Act on Workplace Culture: A Case Study Approach.

The POSH Act has brought about a significant shift in workplace culture in India, particularly in organizations that have taken proactive steps to implement its provisions. Companies that have established robust Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) and conducted awareness programs have seen a decrease in instances of sexual harassment, as employees are more informed and empowered to report misconduct.

Case studies from large corporations like Infosys and TCS show how training programs, workshops, and open-door policies have helped in creating safer workplaces. These organizations report increased employee satisfaction and trust in the grievance redressal process. Employees are now more confident that complaints will be taken seriously and that appropriate action will be taken against offenders.

However, there are still gaps in smaller organizations and unorganized sectors where the implementation of the POSH Act is often lax. In these environments, cultural norms may still perpetuate a lack of awareness, and women may be hesitant to report harassment due to fear of reprisal or stigma. One such example is from the hospitality industry, where frontline employees, especially women, continue to face challenges despite legal protections.

In conclusion, while the POSH Act has made great strides in improving workplace culture, its success is largely dependent on the organization's commitment to not only following the law but also fostering an environment of equality and respect. Organizations that go beyond compliance and truly support a culture of respect see the most positive outcomes.

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Filing a Complaint under the POSH Act: Procedure and Timelines

The Prevention of Sexual Harassment ( POSH ) Act, 2013, was enacted to create a safe workplace environment and ensure that incidents of sexual harassment are addressed promptly and effectively. A key aspect of the Act is the process by which employees can file a complaint if they experience sexual harassment at work. This article delves into the complaint filing procedure under the POSH Act, including the essential timelines, extensions, and rights of the complainant. 1. Who Can File a Complaint under the POSH Act? The POSH Act allows any aggrieved woman to file a complaint if she has faced sexual harassment in the workplace. The complainant can be: • A woman employed in any capacity (temporary, permanent, part-time, or full-time). • An employee in an organization (including interns and contractual staff). • A woman visiting the workplace or a client of the organization. Additionally, if the complainant is unable to file a complaint due to physical or mental incapacity or for oth...

Saurabh Kumar Mallick v. CAG: Reinforcing the Reach of the POSH Act in Government Institutions.

In a landmark judgment, the Delhi High Court delivered a resounding verdict that extended the applicability of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act to government organizations, including constitutional bodies like the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). The case of Saurabh Kumar Mallick v. Comptroller & Auditor General of India (2018) was a pivotal moment in ensuring that the principles of the POSH Act are upheld across all spheres of employment, irrespective of the nature or status of the organization. The Crux of the Case The case arose from a petition filed by Saurabh Kumar Mallick, an Assistant Audit Officer employed with the CAG, who alleged that he had been subjected to sexual harassment by a superior officer. Mallick claimed that despite filing a formal complaint, the CAG failed to take appropriate action or constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) as mandated by the POSH Act. The CAG, in its defense, argued that as a constitutional body, it w...

Posh Lawyers in India

PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment )Awareness Session helps organisations in a big way in 1) Preventing and Discourage sexually harrasement at work 2) Encouraging victims to file grievances 3) Encouraging coworkers to understand their role in creating safe work environment. 4) Highlighting the Gender Neutral policy aspects Glad to have delivered at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals ~Noida A detailed employee and manager session highlighting key aspects of POSH ACT 2013 through case studies , Videos and Quiz . Thank you Trisha Singh and Saloni for organising,participating and partnering in the session. It is such a inspiration to see how the HR and leadership team is working together to ensure this organisation continues to be a workplace of choice in healthcare sector. Voice of SASHA 🤝POSHADVO Kanti Joshi 🤝Adv Kanchan K. Kanchan Khatana And Associates Sexual Harassment at Workplace Posh Training Best POSH consultant in India POSH ACT 2013