Supreme Court Dismisses PIL on POSH Act Scope Extension
The Supreme Court declined a PIL seeking to bring political parties under the 2013 POSH Act, designed to protect women from workplace sexual harassment. The court emphasized that the decision lies with Parliament. The petitioner sought an interpretation of existing provisions to include political parties, not new legislation.
- Country:
- India
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that aimed to extend the POSH Act to cover political parties. The Act, established in 2013, safeguards women from sexual harassment at workplaces. The court noted that this jurisdiction falls within Parliament's purview.
The case was presented by advocate Shobha Gupta, representing Yogamaya M G, who argued that political parties should be treated as 'employers' under the POSH Act. This classification would mandate parties to establish internal complaints committees (ICCs) for handling sexual harassment cases.
Chief Justice B R Gavai emphasized that the request pertains to Parliamentary authority. The petitioner was advised to collaborate with women parliamentarians to present a private bill. Additionally, the Kerala High Court's 2021 ruling, exempting political parties from forming ICCs, could be contested. Gupta was granted permission to challenge this judgment independently.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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