On 13 August 1997, the Supreme Court of India held that sexual harassment of women is a violation of the fundamental right to work in a safe environment. The AICC at ARCI, Hyderabad provides women an appropriate complaint mechanism against unwelcome sexually determined behaviour.
Definition of sexual harassment
The Supreme Court has defined sexual harassment to include any one or more of the following acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication):
- Physical contact and advances
- Demand or request for sexual favours
- Sexually oriented remarks
- Showing pornography
- Use of electronic media (phone, internet, intranet) for perpetrating any of the above
- Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature
Circumstances that amount to sexual harassment
- Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in employment
- Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in employment
- Implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status
- Interference with her work or creating an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work environment
- Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety
What should you do if you are sexually harassed?
- Do not feel ashamed. Tell the harasser very clearly that you find his behaviour offensive.
- Do not ignore the harassment in the hope that it will stop. Come forward and complain to AICC.
- Talk to somebody you trust about the harassment — preferably to AICC. It will give you strength and help others in similar situations.
- Keep a record of all incidents of sexual harassment. This will be helpful if you register a formal complaint later.
- Most importantly, the victim must never blame herself for the harassment.
Action against the offender
The AICC is deemed to be an Inquiry Authority as per the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964. Where conduct amounts to a specific offense under the Indian Penal Code, a complaint shall be filed with the appropriate authority. Care is taken to ensure that the complainant and witnesses are not victimized. The complainant has the option to seek transfer of the perpetrator or their own transfer.
Role of the committee
- To act as Inquiry Authority on a complaint of sexual harassment
- To ensure that complainant and witnesses are not victimized or discriminated because of their complaint
- To take proactive measures towards sensitization of all those whose workplace is ARCI, on the rules on SHWWP (PPR)
Legal framework
22 Apr 2013
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 received Presidential assent and was promulgated.
09 Dec 2013
Central Government notified Rules under Section 29 of the SHWW (PPR) Act, 2013.
27 Nov 2014
Office Memorandum circulated by Ministry of Personnel on alignment of Service Rules with the SHWW (PPR) Act 2013.
Contact
To make the reporting of complaints or any other necessary correspondence with AICC easy and in strictly CONFIDENTIAL way, a dedicated official e-mail address is available. The access to this e-mail is restricted ONLY to the committee members.