Internal Complaints Committee Cell

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) POSH ACT-2013

The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is a grievance redressal forum to address the grievances of the Sexual Harassment of women at the Workplace. The Government of India notified the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act in 2013. Consistent with the Vishaka judgment, the Act aspires to ensure women’s right to workplace equality and free from sexual harassment.

Objectives:-

1. To establish a socially and physically safe atmosphere for women.
2. To create policies to prevent harassment of women.
3. To plan a program for gender sensitization and awareness
4. To offer a secure environment free from sexual harassment.
5. To encourage a psychological and social climate that would increase awareness of sexual harassment.
6. Suggest suitable punitive measures for the offenders.
7. Prevention of sexual harassment and discrimination against women.

Definition of sexual harassment

The definition of sexual harassment, in the Sexual Harassment Act, is in line with the Supreme Court's definition in the Vishaka Judgment and includes any unwelcome sexually determined behaviour (whether directly or by implication) such as:

1. Physical contact and advances.
2. Demand or request for sexual favors.
3. Sexually coloured remarks.
4. Display of pornography.
5. Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or nonverbal conduct of a sexual nature.

Functions of the Committee:

1. To establish and maintain a secure workplace free from sexual harassment, particularly for women and girls.
2. To record reports of sexual harassment against working women, to carry out investigations, and to offer support.
3. To monitor and suggest follow-up measures to the relevant authorities
4. To foster a culture of gender justice and equality.
5. To draft yearly reports.

What are the possible actions that can be taken against the respondent?

1. Warning
2. Written apology
3. Bond of good behavior
4. Adverse remark in the Confidential Report
5. Stopping of increments/promotion
6. Suspension
7. Dismissal
8. Any other relevant actions

How to file a complaint?

A formal written complaint must be filed either as a hard copy or an email within 90 days of the incident about which the complaint is being filed. The ICC is required to complete the process of inquiry and submit its report within 90 days of the filing of the complaint.

The formal complaint must contain the following:

1. Date and time of the incident
2. The place where it occurred
3. Name and contact information of the accused
4. Name and contact information of witnesses