Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 08 November 2025
The Committee on the POSH Act, High Court at Calcutta, organized a sensitization programme on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 at the Court Hall of the Calcutta High Court Circuit Bench, Port Blair, recently.
The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Hon’ble Justice Shampa Sarkar, Judge, High Court at Calcutta and Chairperson, Committee on POSH Act, and Hon’ble Justice Ananya Bandyopadhyay, Judge, High Court at Calcutta. Several dignitaries attended the programme. Mr. Rashid Alam, Registrar, Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court at Port Blair, delivered the welcome address.
Prominent speakers included Ms. Anjili Nag, Senior Advocate; Ms. Babita Das, Government Pleader; Ms. Zahida Bibi, Public Prosecutor, LCC; Ms. Shanti Murugeshan, Administrator, WHL; and Ms. Shweta Kishen, GTT.
The programme aimed to raise awareness about the provisions of the POSH Act, 2013, among employers and employees in both public and private sectors, as well as in the unorganized sector, including members of the judiciary and staff of the High Court and District Courts.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Justice Shampa Sarkar emphasized the growing participation of women in the workforce—now at about 37%—and the importance of ensuring a safe, respectful workplace for all women. Justice Sarkar highlighted the need for sensitization to eliminate gender injustice and urged strict compliance with the Act’s provisions. Her Lordship also stressed the establishment of dedicated helplines, email IDs, and complaint boxes, to be displayed prominently at every workplace.
Hon’ble Justice Ananya Bandyopadhyay, in her remarks, underscored the importance of continuous awareness and education. She suggested that employers prepare pamphlets in regional languages explaining offences, penalties, and punishments under the POSH Act. Justice Bandyopadhyay also recommended organizing regular sensitization programmes and displaying key information within office premises to ensure better compliance and understanding.
Speakers at the programme elaborated on several crucial aspects of the Act, including the functioning of the Internal Committee (IC), the need for regular awareness drives, creation of accessible complaint mechanisms, maintaining confidentiality, conducting time-bound inquiries, implementing inquiry-based actions, and protecting complainants from retaliation. They also discussed employee education, employer responsibilities, penalties for non-compliance, and safeguards against false complaints.
