The Supreme Court has disposed of a petition seeking to bring political parties under the purview of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013. The court advised the petitioner, Yogamaya MG, to approach the Election Commission for relief.
A bench comprising Justice Suryakant and Justice Manmohan clarified that if the petitioner disagrees with the Election Commission’s decision, she can return to the Supreme Court. The petition had named major political parties, including the Congress, BJP, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress, and AAP, among others.
Petition Seeks to Extend POSH to Political Parties
The petition demanded that political parties follow the POSH Act’s provisions to ensure women’s safety at the workplace. It also sought a directive to establish complaint redressal mechanisms as per the Supreme Court’s Vishaka guidelines.
Additionally, the petition called for political parties to form Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to handle sexual harassment complaints and ensure compliance with workplace safety norms.
Supreme Court’s Recent POSH Guidelines
Recently, the Supreme Court issued directives for strict POSH Act implementation. By December 31, all states must appoint officers to address sexual harassment cases. Local Complaint Committees must be established by January 31, 2025, at the district level.
District Magistrates will oversee surveys on ICC formation in government and private institutions. Details of nodal officers and local committees will be available on the Shebox portal. The POSH Act mandates safe workplaces for women and empowers ICCs to handle complaints effectively.
The court’s directive underscores the need for robust mechanisms to protect women in all sectors, including political institutions.
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