Workplace Sexual Harassment Laws in India: POSH Act 2013, Internal Committee (IC) & Due Process [English Edition]

From Vishaka Guidelines to statutory codification, defining 'aggrieved woman', 'workplace' (including remote work and travel), and employee categories.

Statutory composition (Presiding Officer, external member from NGO), terms of office, jurisdiction, and mandatory annual reporting.

90-day limitation period, condonation of delay rules, conciliation without monetary settlement (Section 10), and written complaints.

Serving notices, right of respondent to file reply, witness examination, cross-examination protocols, and prohibition of legal practitioners.

Admissibility of electronic communications (Slack, Teams, WhatsApp, emails), contemporary demeanor, and evaluating circumstantial evidence.

Transfer of parties, grant of paid leave up to 3 months (Section 12), and strict non-disclosure penalties under Section 16 & 17.

Distinction between unproven allegations and knowingly false complaints, disciplinary action against perjury, and protecting employee reputation.

Submission of findings within 10 days, implementation by employer within 60 days, and statutory appeals before Industrial Tribunals / High Courts.

Standard complaint format, point-by-point rebuttal template, list of defense witnesses, and appellate petition under POSH Section 18.

Employer penal liabilities (Section 26 fine up to Rs 50,000 and business license cancellation), SHe-Box portal, and district officer contacts.