In a fillip to the security of working women, the Supr-eme Court ruled on Friday that all regulatory bodies pertaining to various professions will have to set up committees to deal with cases of sexual harassment at the workplace.
Expanding the ambit of its 1997 Vishaka verdict which had framed guidelines to handle cases of sexual harassment at the workplace in government depa-rtments and PSUs, the apex court directed regulating bodies, such as the Bar Council of India and the Medical Council of India, and all institutions affiliated to them, to implement the guidelines framed in the landmark case within two months. A three-judge bench headed by Justice R.M. Lodha passed the order on a PIL filed by Medha Kalwal Lele seeking direction to expand the ambit of the 1997 verdict to include institutions other than PSUs. According to the guidelines, it was the duty of the employer or other responsible persons at workplaces and other institutions to prevent or deter the commission of acts of sexual harassment and to provide procedures for resolution, settlement or prosecution of acts of sexual harassment by taking all steps required. The guidelines said rules prohibiting sexual harassment at the workplace should be notified, published and circulated and should also provide for penalties against the offe-nders. Even private empl-oyers were asked to include the prohibition of sexual harassment in their standing orders. The guidelines also said victims or witnesses should not be victimised or discriminated against while dealing with complaints of sexual harassment.