Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2010
06. Sep, 2012 
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An important bill that seeks to protect women, including domestic workers, from sexual harassment at workplace was passed in the Lok Sabha on 03-09-2012. The bill defines domestic worker as a woman employed to do household work for remuneration.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome act or behaviour such as physical contact and advances, a demand or request for sexual favours or making sexually coloured remarks or showing pornography. The acts or behaviour — direct or by implication — will also include any other physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
This Bill was spearheaded by Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath. A Parliamentary Standing Committee, which examined the bill, held the firm view that preventive aspects had to be strictly in line with the Supreme Court guidelines in the 1997 Vishaka case. The judgment not only defines sexual harassment at workplace but also lays down guidelines for its prevention and disciplinary action.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2010 makes it mandatory for all offices, hospitals, institutions and other workplaces to have an internal complaints redress mechanism. Non-compliance with the provisions of the law will be punishable with a fine of up to Rs 50,000. Repeated violations may lead to higher penalties and cancellation of licence or registration to do business.
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