Supreme Court Expands Scope of Sexual Harassment Complaints Under POSH Act

The Supreme Court ruled that an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in one department can handle sexual harassment complaints under the POSH Act against an employee of another department, ensuring aggrieved women face fewer procedural obstacles. The decision calls for departments to cooperate in investigations across departmental lines.

The Supreme Court has broadened the interpretation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, allowing an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) formed in one department to handle complaints against employees of different departments. The decision, made by Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi, seeks to ease the process for aggrieved women.

The court emphasized that a strict reading of the POSH Act would hinder its social welfare intent by forcing victims to confront procedural and psychological barriers. Justices noted that expecting women to seek redress only within the 'respondent's' department would only exacerbate their ordeal.

This ruling came in response to a case involving a 2010-batch IRS officer accused by a 2004-batch IAS officer. The Supreme Court's decision paves the way for interdepartmental cooperation in handling such cases, enforcing departments to assist in investigations even if they lie outside their immediate jurisdiction.

(With inputs from agencies.)