Source: TH
Context: The tragic self-immolation of a student in Odisha, allegedly after her sexual harassment complaint was dismissed by her college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), has triggered nationwide scrutiny.
About Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):
- What is the ICC?
- An Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is a mandatory institutional redressal mechanism created under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) to address complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace.
- Legal Basis & Background:
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- Evolved from Vishaka Guidelines (1997) by the Supreme Court, following the Bhanwari Devi case.
- Formalised by the POSH Act, 2013, post the Nirbhaya case.
- Made mandatory for all workplaces with more than 10 employees.
- For smaller or informal sectors, Local Complaints Committees (LCCs) operate at the district level.
- Objectives of the ICC:
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- Prevent and redress sexual harassment at the workplace.
- Create a safe, inclusive, and gender-just work environment.
- Ensure fair and confidential grievance redressal.
- Empower women to report violations without fear of reprisal.
- Key Features and Functions:
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- Composition: Presided over by a senior female employee, at least half the members must be women, and one must be from an NGO or have legal/social expertise.
- Jurisdiction: Can receive complaints within 3 months of the incident and initiate conciliation or inquiry proceedings.
- Quasi-judicial Powers: Can summon witnesses, gather evidence, and recommend disciplinary or legal action.
- Timely Inquiry: Must complete inquiry within 90 days, and submit recommendations within 10 days thereafter.
- Confidentiality Mandate: All proceedings, identities, and outcomes are confidential under Section 16 of the Act.
- Significance of ICCs:
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- Ensures institutional accountability in safeguarding women’s rights.
- Acts as a deterrent against power abuse and harassment in hierarchal workplaces.
- Empowers women with a legal and secure grievance forum.
- Promotes compliance culture and strengthens India’s commitment to gender justice.
