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In Hyderabad, India, the law strongly condemns sexist conduct, including sexual harassment. Under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome act or behaviour, whether directly or implied. It is considered a violation of women's fundamental rights to equality and life, as stated by the Constitution of India, 1950.
Many people hesitate to understand and navigate the legal aspects of sexual harassment. Legal guidance can be invaluable if you are a victim of such behaviour, because a lawyer can help you understand your rights, the law and how to pursue the case. Lawyers also play a vital role in navigating the legal proceedings, evidence collection, victim representation in court, and negotiation for appropriate remedies or sanctions.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, known as the POSH Act, is the primary legislation that provides protection against sexual harassment in India. The act requires employers to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in every branch of an organisation employing 10 or more people. The POCSO Act, 2012 provides protection to children from offences of sexual assault and exploitation.
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwanted physical contact, solicitation of sexual favours, making sexually suggestive remarks or showing pornography, and creating a hostile work environment through such acts.
If you feel comfortable, you may want to communicate to the person harassing you that the conduct is unwelcome. However, it is equally important to promptly report the incident to your employer or an authorised person within your organisation.
Yes, the law provides for punitive action against the offender. The degree of punishment may depend on the severity of the case, as outlined in the Act.
While false accusations are rare, they can occur. The law provides remedies for false or malicious charges, including legal action against the false complainant.
The law protects victims who report sexual harassment. Provisions are in place to prevent retaliation against victims who report harassment and to ensure strict confidentiality throughout the process.
In addition to legal help, there are numerous organisations that provide support to victims of sexual harassment in Hyderabad. Hyderabad's SHE Teams are a police division dedicated to the safety of women and children. The Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC) in Hyderabad also has a dedicated wing for Women’s Safety, which addresses workplace sexual harassment incidents.
If you believe you have been sexually harassed, consider seeking legal assistance as soon as possible. Start by collecting any evidence that could help your case, keeping everything in a safe place. Contact a lawyer who specialises in sexual harassment cases to guide you through the steps of reporting the misconduct and seeking redressal.
