Supreme Court orders for strict implementation of POSH guidelines at workplaces – CNBC TV18

The Supreme Court on December 3 issued an order directing employers and local authorities to strictly implement the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplaces (POSH) guidelines.

The court directed that Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) should be set up in all government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs), and it said that Sheebox portals should be set up to help women lodge complaints. Which will be directed to the ICCs.

States have been asked to mandatorily appoint district officers (DoS) by the new year. DOS should constitute a Local Complaints Committee (LCC) by January 31, 2025.

Similarly, the Supreme Court has directed that nodal officers are to be appointed at taluka levels. The top court said details of nodal officers, LCCs and Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) should be uploaded on the Showbox portal.

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Deputy Commissioners should survey public and private organizations for ICC compliance under Section 26 of the POSH Act and submit compliance reports. The court has directed the private sector stakeholders to ensure compliance with the ICC’s constitution and statutory provisions.

The Supreme Court order followed a pilot alleging that private employers were not complying with the legal mandate on the implementation of POSH rules.

Meanwhile, amicus curiae Padma Priya informed the top court that the existing mechanisms under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) allow victims to make complaints online. Priya said the helpline number, 15100, connects complainants with district legal services officers and women lawyers to assist them.

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