Question

Which of the following Act originated from the Vishakha guidelines?

• A. POCSO Act
• B. Sexual Harassment of Women Act 2013
• C. J.J. Act 2015
• D. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005

Hint:

Remember the cause-and-effect relationship: The {Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan} case (1997) led to the Vishakha Guidelines, which in turn led to the enactment of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The "Vishakha guidelines" were a set of procedural guidelines for use in cases of sexual harassment at the workplace. They were laid down by the Supreme Court of India in the landmark 1997 case of Vishakha and others v. State of Rajasthan. The court stated that these guidelines were to be considered law until a specific legislation was enacted on the subject.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

The Vishakha guidelines were specifically about preventing and redressing sexual harassment of women at the workplace.
For 16 years, these guidelines were the primary legal framework for this issue in India.
In 2013, the Parliament of India enacted the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act. This Act codified and built upon the principles laid down in the Vishakha guidelines, creating a comprehensive statutory framework.
The other Acts listed deal with different issues: POCSO with child sexual abuse, JJ Act with juvenile justice, and the PWDV Act with domestic violence.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Sexual Harassment of Women Act 2013 is the legislation that originated from and gave statutory force to the Vishakha guidelines.