SUPREME COURT GUIDELINES TO CHECK
SEXUAL ABUSE AT WORKPLACE
The hon’ble Supreme
Court, in its judgement dated August 13, 1997 in the case of Vishaka
& Ors. Vs. State of Rajasthan & Ors. Laid down guidelines
and norms to prevent sexual harassment for women at workplace.
These guidelines stipulate, inter-alia, setting up of Complaint
Committees as a part of complaint mechanism to redress and complaint
made by the victim. These guidelines are required to be followed
by all the employers, whether in public or private sector.
The guidelines
and norms laid down by the hon’ble Court were circulated to all
Ministries/Departments for compliance. In compliance of the directions,
the Government has also amended the Central Civil Services (Conduct)
Rules, 1964 by inserting a new rule (Rule 3C) to include sexual
harassment as a misconduct. It has also been stipulated that the
report of the Complaints Committee should be treated as a preliminary
report against the accused Government servant and expeditious
follow up action be taken on the report of the Complaints Committee.
This was stated
by the Minister of Law & Justice and Commerce and Industry,
Shri Arun Jaitley, in reply to a question by Smt. Saroj Dubey
in the Rajya Sabha today.
