Kerala High Court Advocates Association Passes Resolution to Constitute an Internal Complaints Committee to Redress Sexual Harassment Grievance of Women Lawyers
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Members of the Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) have passed a resolution to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee to (ICC) to deal with the sexual harassment complaints against women lawyers.
The KHCAA has held an extra ordinary General Body Meeting the President of KHCAA in his address stated that the executive committee members are unanimous and steadfast in their support for the proposal to constitute an ICC.
It is emphasized in the resolution that women in the legal profession face the same hurdles as in any other work place.
The resolution was moved by Advocate Boby M.Sekhar and 117 other members regarding the constitution of an internal committee for redressal of complaints of sexual harassment against women within the Association.
A working woman is exposed to numerous hurdles in her professional life. The most disheartening among them is incidents of sexual harassment at workplace.
“Sexual Harassment at work place is violative of the principles of equality and right to live with dignity ensured by Constitution of India. It is also violative of the provisions of ‘Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women’. Every incident of abuse or sexual harassment leaves deep negative impact on the mental health of such working women, and leads to difficulty in performing and thriving at their workplace.” Avers resolution
The POSH Act mandates the constitution of an ICC at the institutional level for prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment at the work place.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is a benevolent and comprehensive legislation which has catered to the need of protection of women at their workplaces. The Act provides protection against sexual harassment of women at work and for redressal of complaints of sexual harassment within the workplace.
The Advocates further points out that although the KHCAA has taken all necessary steps for the protection and welfare of its members, no effective steps have been taken till date for the formation of permanent Internal Committee to address the grievances of women lawyers.
The number of lady lawyers in the legal profession has increased exponentially over the years.
Contribution of women in the legal field is also substantial. But, women in legal profession face the same hurdles as in any other workplace, which includes sexual harassment and abuse. Having regard to the Constitutional right of gender equality and right to practice profession, it is imperative to formulate a mechanism which aims at prevention of sexual harassment of women in legal profession.
Taking note of the rising presence of the women in the legal profession and association members, they urges the formation of Internal Committee and comprehensive mechanism to address the complaints of sexual harassment against women members is the need of the hour and that is the duty of the Association to ensure a safe working place for its women members.
In the recent past Kerala High Court had directed all film production units and allied organisations engaging more than 10 female workers to establish an internal Complaints Committee.
