POSH Act, 2013

The Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, also known as the POSH Act, is a law in India that aims to prevent sexual harassment of women in the workplace. The Act defines sexual harassment broadly, and includes unwelcome physical contact, advances or demands for sexual favors, and any other conduct of a sexual nature that makes the workplace environment intimidating, hostile or offensive for women.

​Under the POSH Act, every organization with more than 10 employees is required to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to handle complaints of sexual harassment. The ICC must be comprised of at least one woman employee, an external member from an NGO or a legal background, and a senior-level employee from the organization. The ICC is responsible for conducting an investigation into the complaint and providing recommendations for appropriate action.

​The POSH Act places a duty on employers to provide a safe and secure working environment for women, and to take steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This includes conducting regular awareness and training programs for employees, and ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for reporting and addressing complaints of sexual harassment.

​In addition, the POSH Act requires employers to maintain confidentiality throughout the investigation process, and to take appropriate action against the perpetrator if the complaint is found to be true. Failure to comply with the requirements of the POSH Act can result in penalties and legal action against the employer.

​The POSH Act is an important piece of legislation that seeks to protect women in the workplace from sexual harassment and create a safe and respectful working environment for all employees. It is important for employers to comply with the provisions of the Act to ensure that their workplace is free from sexual harassment and that they are not held liable for any such incidents.