INITIATIVES FOR INCLUSION FOUNDATION Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The writ-petitioner organisation, approaches this court under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeking issuance of appropriate orders directing the respondents [Union government, and each State/UT government - collectively referred to as respondent-state] to take steps for implementing the provisions of the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 read with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Rules, 2013 [hereafter "Act/POSH Act" or "Act" and "Rules/POSH Rules" respectively]. The detailed claims[1] are extracted verbatim:

(2.) Over the course of many hearings, this court, with the able assistance and cooperation of learned counsels involved in the matter - on both sides -undertook an exercise to delineate lacunae in the implementation of the Act, on ground. Further, in compliance with orders of this court, numerous states[2] filed affidavits highlighting steps taken by their respective governments in furtherance of implementing the Act and Rules in letter and spirit.

(3.) On 20/2/2023, learned counsels addressed this court on certain questions regarding the setting up of Nodal Cells in the concerned Central Union Ministry and also with respect to setting up of Local Committee and appointment of Nodal Officers in all districts of the country. This judgment pertains to these specific issues and the suggestions made in this regard.