Kerala High Court Advocates' Association to consider setting up ICC for sexual harassment complaints

The Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) will consider the setting up of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act)..KHCAA will convene an Extra Ordinary General Body Meeting on March 22 to consider, among other things, a resolution to set up the ICC..The resolution, proposed by Advocate Boby M Sekhar and 117 others, brings to light the fact that the number of female lawyers and the contribution of women in the legal field have increased substantially over the years. However, women in the legal profession face the same hurdles as in any other workplace, which includes sexual harassment and abuse.The POSH Act mandates the constitution of an ICC at the institutional level for prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment at workplace. The ICC has the power to initiate settlements between the parties through conciliation proceedings and if not settled, to initiate an inquiry into the matter."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," the resolution stated..It was contended that even though the KHCAA was formed to protect and serve the interests of the legal fraternity, no effective steps have been taken till date for formation of a permanent ICC, which could address the grievances of women lawyers. In the circumstances, it was proposed that the KHCAA may pass a resolution in the following manner : Resolve to formulate and constitute an Internal Committee as contemplated under POSH Act to address the complaint of sexual harassment against women members and other aggrieved women in its precincts;Resolve that a comprehensive mechanism be formulated for inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment and to take appropriate disciplinary action against the members who are found guilty; andResolve and authorize the Executive Committee of KHCAA to make necessary changes and amendments in the Rules and Regulations, 1971 of the Kerala High Court Advocates Association for the effective implementation of the different provisions of POSH Act.