Prevention of sexual harassment act

 

Prevention of sexual harassment act is known as a legislative act in India that protects women from sexual harassment at their workplaces. It was brought by Lok Sabha in 2012 and got approved by Rajya Sabha in 2013, and came into existence in the same year. This act was derived from Vishakha Guidelines. These guidelines were some procedures that were to be followed in the case of the sexual harassment act.

Highlighting Features

Prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace has the following features:

• It defines sexual harassment at the workplace and generates a mechanism for redressal of complaints. 

• It covers concepts like ‘quid pro quo’ and ‘hostile work environment’.

• The aim of the act is to make owners feel the need to make policies for sexual harassment. 

• Some penalties have been prescribed for the employee.

• This act also covers students in schools, colleges, and patients in the hospital.  

This act was made to make states realize that they need to provide a safe and respectable place for their work. Further, it aims to share the message that there should not be any discrimination. This act provides women with the right to work with dignity and without any fear.