Sexual Harassment Bill introduced in Lok Sabha

A legislation aimed at preventing sexual harassment of women at the workplace was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, amid the daily pandemonium over the opposition's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe the 2G scam, before the House was adjourned for the 18th day running without conducting any business.

The Bill covers every type of harassment, including intimidation or implied or overt promise of preferential treatment to any woman employee.

Sources in the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry said that the Bill was pushed for introduction to enable its reference to the Parliamentary Standing Committee after the current winter session ends on Monday as otherwise it would get put off for longer, if introduced in the next session.

The objective of the Protection of Women Against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill, piloted by Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath, is to have a comprehensive legislation that guarantees safe, secure and enabling environment, free from all forms of sexual harassment to every woman, irrespective of her age or employment status.

The Bill provides for mandatory setting up of an internal committee by a company or any other institute, as already provided under the present law, to probe a written complaint by an aggrieved person or settle the matter

through conciliation. The new element is a hefty fine of Rs 50,000 if the inquiry is not instituted and provisions of the new law are contravened.

If the inquiry establishes "malicious intent or falsehood" on the part of the woman lodging the complaint, the Bill provides for action against her in accordance with service rules and in any other manner in case no service rules exist.

The Bill lays down a statutory redressal mechanism, fixing responsibility on the employer as well as the District Magistrate or Additional DM to ensure the safety and dignity of women at work.

Actions covered under the bill include "implied or overt promise of  preferential treatment in her (any woman's) employment; or implied or overt threat of detrimental treatment in her employment; or implied or overt threat about her present or future employment status."

Other cognisable actions are "Conduct of any person which interferes with her work or creates an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment for her; or humiliating conduct constituting health and safety problems for her."