SEXUAL HARASSEMENT AT WORKPLACE: LAW ON PAPER, FAILURE IN REALITY

This article does not merely attempt to define the concept of workplace sexual harassment, as society today is already aware of its meaning and impact. Instead, it focuses upon the growing need for stronger implementation of workplace safety laws and greater institutional accountability in India. Although workplace safety guidelines on the POSH Act, 2013 were introduced to ensure safer working environments, lack of awareness, and institutional negligence continue to remain serious concern. It highlights the practical difficulties faced by victims while reporting harassment, including fear of authority, victim-blaming, workplace pressure, social stigma, and lack of confidence in complaint mechanisms. It further discusses how many women silently tolerate harassment, leave employment opportunities, or avoid reporting incidents due to fear and insecurity. The article also emphasizes the need for stronger Internal Complaints Committees (ICC), faster response systems, effective action on complaints within twenty-four hours in urgent situations, awareness programmes, victim support mechanisms, and safer workplace environments. It concludes that ensuring dignity and safety for women should not remain the sole responsibility of women themselves but must become a collective responsibility of society, institutions, and the legal system.