Book explaining the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act launched

Eminent judiciary members launch practical guide on POSH Act, emphasizing importance of safe work environment for women.

A host of eminent members of the judiciary came together for the launch of the book Treatise on POSH ACT,authored by Dhana Madhri Guruswamy, advocate, Madras High Court, here on Saturday.

The book, which offers insights into legal frameworks and serves as a practical guide on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act for various user groups, was released by Justice K.R. Shriram, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, and the first copy was received by Justice Anita Sumanth, Judge, Madras High Court.

Launching the book at an event organised by the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Justice Shriram said the POSH Act was not just a legal enactment but also a vital component of collective responsibility to create a safe work environment for women.

Noting that sexual harassment was a multi-faceted issue, he said the well-researched book addressed challenges posed by online harassment in digital landscapes too. It outlined the Act’s applicability across sectors, roles of various committees, inquiry process, employer obligations, and penalty for non-compliance.

Lauding the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) established in courts, Justice Shriram said that with its robust mechanism for addressing complaints, the judicial system had set a benchmark for initiatives in other workplaces. He also stressed the need to create awareness among women of the unorganised sectors to promote a culture of zero tolerance against harassment. Training and education had a pivotal role in dismantling toxicity in the workplace environment, he added.

Justice M. Sundar, Judge, Madras High Court, said sector-wise elucidation and pages dedicated to the inquiry process were the book’s unique features. Justice V. Bhavani Subbaroyan, Judge, Madras High Court, and Chairperson, GSICC, said the book was a guide on the Act and underlined the various GSICC initiatives.

Elaborating on the GSICC, Justice Anita Sumanth said awareness was being created in districts and taluks across the State. Such books needed to be translated in Tamil for a wider reach. Addressing questions on making the POSH Act gender neutral, she said the current situation demanded women-centric legislation.