Question

One of the most distinct aspects of the 'Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act', is:

• A. Punishment of the accused within a month
• B. Mandatory Internal Complaints Committee
• C. Public disclosure of complaints
• D. Exclusive digital reporting platforms

Hint:

When thinking about the POSH Act, 2013, always remember the ICC (Internal Complaints Committee) for workplaces with 10+ employees and the LCC (Local Complaints Committee) for workplaces with fewer than 10 employees or for the unorganized sector. The creation of this redressal machinery is the law's main innovation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, provides a specific mechanism for the redressal of complaints of sexual harassment in the workplace. The question asks for a distinct aspect of this Act.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the options:

(A) Punishment of the accused within a month: The Act prescribes a timeline for the inquiry (typically 90 days), but it does not guarantee punishment within a month. The process involves inquiry, findings, and then action by the employer based on service rules.
(B) Mandatory Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): This is the most distinct and central feature of the Act. Section 4 makes it mandatory for every employer of a workplace having ten or more employees to constitute an ICC. This committee, headed by a senior-level female employee and including an external member, serves as the primary quasi-judicial body for receiving and redressing complaints. This institutional mechanism is the backbone of the Act.
(C) Public disclosure of complaints: This is incorrect. Section 16 of the Act strictly prohibits the publication or disclosure of the contents of the complaint and inquiry proceedings, ensuring the confidentiality of the parties involved.
(D) Exclusive digital reporting platforms: The Act does not mandate exclusive digital platforms. While digital reporting is possible (e.g., SHe-Box portal by the government), the primary mechanism established by the law is the ICC/LCC.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The legal mandate to create an Internal Complaints Committee in every applicable workplace is the most distinct and foundational aspect of the Act.