A Report on  Lecture

 

“Understanding of Sexual Harassment under POSH Act 2013”

 

 

13^th December 2025

 

 

11:00AM to 12:30 PM

 

 

Organized by: Internal Complaint Committee in association with IQAC & Legal Aid Cell, MLS

 

On 13th December 2025, a lecture on “Understanding Sexual Harassment under the POSH Act, 2013” was organized at Maharishi University of Information Technology (MUIT). The objective of the lecture was to create awareness and understanding of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

The programme commenced with a warm welcome to all attendees, followed by the felicitation of the speaker, Adv. Mahak Rahtee, Advocate, High Court of Delhi, and a certified POSH Trainer. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Trapty Agarwal, Dean Academics; Dr. Neelu Tiwari, Deputy Dean Academics; Dr. Amita Rathi, Dean, MLS and Convener of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC); and ICC members Dr. Garima Srivastava (Associate Professor) and Dr. Tanzil Tyagi (Assistant Professor). Dr. Anil Kumar Roy, Dean, Animation Department, and Dr. Ritu Singh, Assistant Professor, were also present during the lecture.

The programme witnessed active participation from Mr. Sunil Mishra, HR Head, along with Deans, Deputy Deans, and Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff from various Schools of the University.

The lecture aimed to create awareness about the provisions of the POSH Act and to develop a clear understanding of what constitutes a workplace and what types of unwelcome behaviour or acts qualify as sexual harassment. The speaker explained these concepts using real-life scenarios. The session also outlined the responsibilities of both employers and employees, the procedure for filing a complaint, the contents of a valid complaint, and the repercussions of filing malicious complaints. Overall, the session sensitized participants and clarified the scope and applicability of the Act.

Key Points Highlighted During the Lecture:

• The POSH Act was enacted to protect women from sexual harassment at the workplace and to ensure a safe, secure, and gender-sensitive working environment.

Under Section 2(n), sexual harassment includes:

• Unwelcome physical contact or advances
• Demand or request for sexual favours
• Sexually coloured remarks
• Showing pornography
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature

Complaint Procedure:

Filing a Complaint

1. Must be filed within three months of the incident
2. Can be written or verbal (verbal complaints must be converted into writing)
3. Necessary assistance must be provided to the complainant

Inquiry Procedure

1. The ICC must complete the inquiry within 90 days
2. The inquiry report must be submitted within 10 days
3. The institution must act on the recommendations within 30 days

Possible Actions:

1. Warning
2. Written apology
3. Disciplinary action (suspension/termination)
4. Community service
5. Mandatory counselling

Approximately 90 participants attended the lecture and actively interacted with the speaker, particularly during the discussion on myths and facts related to sexual harassment. The session was informative, engaging, and instrumental in promoting awareness and sensitivity among the participants.