Gayathri;
How to conduct a enquiry of sexual harassment? In the first place the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 must be applicable to the establishment. Secondly there must be an Internal Complaints Committee formed under the Act consisting of 4 persons, minimum 2 of them women, headed by a woman in the committee. The complaint of sexual harassment must be in writing. If not ICC must help the complainant woman to reduce her complaint in writing. A chargesheet must be issued to the Respondent against whom the complaint is. The enquiry must be conducted following the principles of natural justice as in case of any other enquiry. After the enquiry is over, ICC must come to a conclusion whether the Respondent is guilty or not. ICC must recommend to Employer whatever action to be taken. Employer must execute that recommendation. The Respondent or the Complainant Woman can go in appeal to the District Committee or Court.
Vibhakar Ramtirthkar.