SAS Nagar, 11 September 2024:- District Education Department, SAS Nagar organized a seminar on ‘The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) at Workplace’ to discuss the problems faced by the women workers at their respective work places at Gian Jyoti Institute of Management and Technology, Phase-2, SAS Nagar. Ms. Surabhi Prashar, CJM-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar apprised the Principals/Head Masters of Government Schools of District SAS Nagar and faculty members of Gian Jyoti Institute regarding provisions of PoSH Act and discussed about the guidelines given by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case Vishakha and others v. State of Rajasthan. She further discussed the significant ruling in the case of Aureliano Fernandes versus State of Goa and Others in which the Hon’ble Supreme Court has highlighted that appellant commenced his career as a Temporary Lecturer in the Department of Political Science. He was appointed as the Head of the said Department. However, two girl students along with their friends submitted a complaint to the University, alleging physical harassment at his hands. The appellant alleged a well-organized conspiracy against him by some wayward students in connivance with the members of the faculty. Whereas, the complaint committee after the 18 meetings reported that the charge of sexual harassment has been established and this act of appellant also amounted to a grave misconduct and gross violation of Rule 3(1)(III) of Conduct Rules and thus, it recommended for termination of his services.  It was held by the Court that the committee has completely overlooked the cardinal principle that justice must not only be done, but should manifestly be seen to be done. The principles of audi alterem partem could not have been thrown to the winds in this cavalier manner.
Sexual harassment also includes the conduct of co-workers who engage in verbal or physically harassing behavior, Sexual advances, requests or demand for sexual favours, either explicitly or implicitly, in return for employment, promotion or examination, Eve teasing, unwelcome invitations meet outside office, suggestive comments or jokes, physical confinement against one’s will and intruding one’s privacy etc. which have the potential to humiliate or embarrass an employee or the company.
She further elaborated the steps to be taken for the prevention of sexual harassment at the work place and she guided the audience by giving various suggestions like dealing upfront with the harasser, do not pretend it did not happen, immediately inform the alleged harasser that the behaviour is unwelcome, demand that the harassment must stop.
It is a must that you get the PoSH training and certification from a globally recognised training provider. Such training can help your organisation to overcome the sexual harassment and create a healthy and peaceful working environment. Some of the benefits including World-Class Training, Flexible Learning and Globally recognised Certification.
She further disclosed that third National Lok Adalat of the year 2024 will be held on 14.09.2024 in which Criminal Compoundable Offences, NI Act cases under Section-138, Bank Recovery Cases, MACT Cases, Matrimonial Disputes, Labour disputes, Land Acquisition cases, Electricity and Water Bills (Excluding non-compoundable theft cases), Service matters relating to pay and allowances and retiral benefits, Revenue Cases and other Civil Cases (Rent, Easmentary Rights, Injunction Suits, Specific Performance suits) etc. shall be taken up. Traffic challans shall also be taken up in this Lok Adalat. If a person wants to pay his challan in Lok Adalat then he can file application before the Ld. Chief Judicial Magistrate, SAS Nagar in this regard on or before 14.09.2024.