Sexual Harassment at Workplace: POSH Act from Law to Action

Abstract

India aspires to become one of the major economies of the world, for which it needs to harness its women power, who constitute half of its population but a major deterrent to women joining the workforce is the fear of sexual harassment at the workplace. Sexual Harassment is any unwelcome sexually tinted behavior which creates a hostile work environment. It is a form of gender discrimination and violates the right to equality, life, and the right to practice any occupation, which are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. With an objective to prevent and redress such harassment, the government enacted the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013, known as the POSH Act (Department of Expenditure, n.d.).

In my paper, I would begin with a brief background that led to the promulgation of the Act and then analyse its main provisions. I would then delve into the various nuances of sexual harassment, the employer's duties to ensure a safe workplace, and the procedures to be followed in the event of any harassment incident. Next, I would examine the current situation in light of a few landmark cases of sexual harassment. Finally, I would discuss some suggestions for improvements in the law and its implementation, which can make the workplace more secure for women, contributing to development of the individual, society, and the nation.