Need for clarity on redressal of Prevention of Sexual Harassment cases: Report

There is a need for more clarity on reporting about the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) cases by India Inc in a bid to create a safer workplace environment, according to a new report.

A new report by the corporate governance watchdog Excellence Enablers states that in FY 2019-20, 678 POSH cases were reported by the Nifty50 firms, and 600 cases were shown as disposed of.

"However, according to the report, the companies have not made it clear that in how many of these 600 cases, the allegations were established, and appropriate remedial action was taken," the report stated.

In 2018-19, the reported cases stood at 663 in Nifty50 companies, while 634 were disposed of.

Interestingly, in both years, 10 companies reported receiving zero POSH-related complaints. Out of these, eight companies, including 2 PSUs, had received zero complaints in both FYs, the report added.

"The absence of complaints would seem to indicate either an ideal workplace or the lack of confidence among employees in reporting cases of this nature," the report stated.

In FY 2018-19 and FY 2019-20, the maximum number of cases received by a single company were 142 and 125 respectively.

As per Section 22 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the employer shall include in its report the number of cases filed, if any, and their disposal under this Act in the annual report of his organisation or where no such report is required to be prepared, intimate such number of cases, if any, to the District Officer.