Overview
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) mandates every employer with ten or more employees to constitute an Internal Committee (IC) and implement a workplace sexual harassment prevention policy. Compliance requires not just policy documentation but operational implementation - functioning committees, trained members, awareness programs, and response procedures.
Contractual frameworks support POSH compliance in several dimensions. Agreements with external members appointed to Internal Committees define their roles, compensation, and obligations. Contracts with training providers ensure appropriate awareness programs. Policies incorporated into employment contracts create enforceable behavioral standards. Vendor and contractor agreements extend protections to the extended workplace.
Effective POSH compliance goes beyond legal obligation to create workplace cultures where harassment does not occur and, when it does, is addressed promptly and fairly. This requires not just documents but genuine commitment from leadership, accessible complaint mechanisms, impartial investigation processes, and appropriate consequences for violations.
Key Considerations
IC Constitution
Proper formation of Internal Committee with required membership including external member.
External Member Agreement
Terms of engagement for the mandatory external member familiar with sexual harassment issues.
Policy Framework
Comprehensive prevention policy addressing definitions, prohibited conduct, and procedures.
Training Arrangements
Agreements with training providers for awareness and IC member capacity building.
Extended Workplace
Extension of protections through vendor and contractor agreements.
Confidentiality Obligations
Confidentiality requirements for IC members and all parties involved in complaints.
Applying the TCL Framework
Technical
- Understanding complaint management systems
- Assessing investigation methodology requirements
- Evaluating training content and delivery
- Reviewing documentation and record-keeping needs
- Understanding reporting requirements
Commercial
- Budgeting for compliance infrastructure
- External member compensation structuring
- Training program procurement
- Investigation service arrangements
- Ongoing compliance costs
Legal
- Ensuring policy meets POSH Act requirements
- Drafting IC member agreements
- Creating compliant investigation procedures
- Addressing confidentiality and non-retaliation
- Extending protections to contractors and visitors
"POSH compliance is not about having a policy - it is about creating a workplace where harassment is prevented and, when it occurs, addressed with fairness, speed, and appropriate consequence. The law provides the framework; organizational culture determines whether it works."
Common Pitfalls
Paper Compliance
Policies and committees that exist on paper but do not function effectively in practice.
IC Training Gaps
Committee members who have not received adequate training on conducting inquiries.
External Member Neglect
Failure to appoint an external member or appointing someone without relevant expertise.
Confidentiality Breaches
Complaint information disclosed inappropriately, damaging parties and deterring future complaints.
Contractor Exclusion
Not extending protections to contractors, vendors, and visitors in the workplace.
POSH Act Framework
The POSH Act requires employers with 10+ employees to: constitute an Internal Committee with specified composition including an external member, develop and disseminate a prevention policy, conduct awareness programs, submit annual reports to the District Officer, and provide a safe working environment. Non-compliance can result in penalties, license cancellation, and personal liability for responsible officers. The definition of "workplace" is broad, covering any place visited in connection with work, and "employee" includes contract workers and visitors.
Practical Guidance
- Constitute the IC with proper composition and trained members.
- Appoint an external member with genuine expertise.
- Develop comprehensive policy covering prevention, prohibition, and redressal.
- Conduct regular awareness training for all employees.
- Establish clear and accessible complaint procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality and protect against retaliation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Practice Areas
Need Assistance with POSH Compliance?
Our team brings deep expertise in employment & hr matters.