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

The Vishakha guidelines were introduced by the apex court in 1997 which was evolved into a parliamentary law called the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2013.

Salient provisions of the Act:

1. Aim: To prevent and protect women against sexual harassment at the workplace and also to ensure effective redressal of complaints of sexual harassment.
2. The Act defines sexual harassment in the workplace. The Act creates a mechanism for redressal of complaints. It also provides safeguards against false or malicious charges.
3. Every workplace is required to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The ICC is mandatory at each office or branch with 10 or more employees.
4. These Internal Complaints Committees have the powers of civil courts for gathering evidence.
5. Penalties have been prescribed for employers. Non-compliance with the provisions of the Act shall be punishable with a fine.
6. Higher penalties and cancellation of license or registration to conduct business is also mentioned if violations are repeated.