Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 7: The Committee on the POSH Act, High Court at Calcutta organized a sensitization programme on the Provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 at the Court Hall of the Circuit Bench of the Calcutta High Court at Port Blair yesterday.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Hon’ble Justice Shampa Sarkar, Judge, High Court at Calcutta and Chairperson, Committee on POSH Act, and Hon’ble Justice Ananya Bandyopadhyay, Judge, High Court at Calcutta. Several dignitaries graced the occasion. Mr. Rashid Alam, Registrar, Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court at Port Blair gave the welcome address.
Ms. Anjili Nag, learned Senior Advocate, Ms. Babita Das, learned Government Pleader, Ms. Zahida Bibi, Learned Public Prosecutor, LCC, Ms. Shanti Murugeshan, Administrator, WHL, Ms. Shweta Kishen, GTT spoke in this programme.
The primary objective of organising the programme was to educate and create awareness about the provisions of the POSH Act, 2013 among employers and employees of the public, private sector and unorganized sector too including the High Court and District Court.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Justice Shampa Sarkar emphasized that as 37% of the workforce comprises women, and with the increasing participation of women in the workplace, it is essential to ensure that every woman feels comfortable and respected. The Lordship observed that workplaces must be sensitized to eliminate gender injustice and urged employers to strictly comply with the provisions of the Act. She further highlighted the importance of establishing dedicated helpline numbers, email IDs, and complaint boxes, all of which must be displayed prominently at every workplace.
While Hon’ble Justice Ananya Bandyopadhyay summarizing the discussions in detail, urged employers to prepare and distribute pamphlets in regional languages containing information about offences under the POSH Act, penalties, and punishments. The Lordship also recommended organizing regular awareness programmes and displaying relevant information within office premises to promote better understanding and compliance.
During the programme, the speakers highlighted various key aspects of the Act, including the importance and functioning of the Internal Committee (IC), the need for regular awareness initiatives, Creation of accessible complaint mechanisms, Maintenance of confidentiality and adherence to time-bound inquiries, Implementation of actions based on inquiry findings, Protection from retaliation, Educating employees about their rights and obligations, Employer responsibilities and legal consequences for non-compliance, Punishments for perpetrators and provisions against false complaints.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Sudhir Kumar, District & Sessions Judge, Port Blair.