What is the POSH Act?
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 — commonly known as the POSH Act — is a landmark law enacted to ensure the safety and dignity of women in workplaces across India.
It mandates every employer to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment free from any form of sexual harassment.
Key Employer Obligations
Obligation Requirement Frequency
Constitute an Internal Committee
(IC) For establishments with 10+ employees Continuous Display POSH Policy At conspicuous places within the workplace Continuous Conduct Awareness Training Sensitize all employees and management Annually Submit Annual Report Detailing number of complaints
received/resolved Annually
Provide Assistance to Aggrieved
WomanIn filing complaint and during inquiry Case-based
What Counts as Sexual Harassment?
The Act covers physical contact, sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography, or any unwelcome sexual conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment — whether verbal, physical, written, or digital.
Why Compliance Matters
POSH compliance is not just a legal obligation, but a moral and organizational responsibility. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, reputational damage, and cancellation of business licenses.
Final Thought
“A safe workplace is not a privilege — it’s a right. The POSH Act ensures every woman can work with dignity and confidence.”
Waiting for more blogs
This is an excellent breakdown of the POSH Act!
Every organization must realize that compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about fostering a culture of respect, safety, and dignity.
Implementing POSH policies and awareness programs not only protects employees but also strengthens trust, morale, and your company’s reputation. A workplace where women feel safe and valued is a workplace that thrives. Every business leader should take this seriously and act proactively, because a safe workplace is a foundation for sustainable growth.