Night Shift Security for Women: Can Anyone Share the Supreme Court Order Details?

Can anyone share the Supreme Court order for providing security guard facilities to female staff during the night shift?

Provision for Women Working Night Shifts in Karnataka

Such a provision exists in the Karnataka Shops and Establishment Act. The Shops and Establishment Act in Karnataka originally prohibited employing women workers after 8 pm. However, this act was amended to enable women employees to work in the BPO industry, where night shifts are common. The amendment allows companies to have female workers work past 8 pm, provided the companies adequately take care of their security and maintain a safe work environment for them. Thus, employers are mandated by the rule to provide transportation and other security measures for women employees who work past 8 pm.

To my knowledge, there is no specific decision of the Supreme Court/High Court giving direction for providing a security guard facility to female staff on the night shift.

The Karnataka Shops and Establishment Act is not applicable in NOIDA. When a similar provision is made in UP Rules, it would become necessary to follow in NOIDA as well. In the meanwhile, public consciousness has to increase to bring pressure on the UP government to follow suit, for which the women organizations shall take the lead. Simultaneously, persuade your employer to take such security steps for the women employees.