Sexual Harassment at Workplace

Sexual harassment at workplace is a serious violation to human dignity and the gender equality. This creates hostile, unsafe, and intimidating work environment which affects the mental and physical well being of female employees. Workplace harassment harms the individual victim and also negative impact on the productivity, professional growth, and organizational culture. The issue gained legal attention after the landmark judgement in the case of Vishaka V State of Rajasthan, which gave the formulation of the guidelines for preventing workplace harassment and resulted in the enactment of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013, also known as the POSH Act. Sexual harassment is a violation of constitutional rights guaranteed under the Articles 14,15, and 21 of the Constitution of India. The law recognizes the right of women to work with dignity and equality in a safe environment. Despite these legal safeguards many incidents remain unreported due to the fear of social stigma, retaliation, lack of awareness, and ineffective implementation of the laws.