INTERNAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE (ICC)

Constituted as per the ‘Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prosecution, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013’

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexually defined behaviour which can range from misbehaviour of an irritating nature to the most serious forms such as sexual abuse and assault, including rape.

The Sexual Harassment of Women (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 defines sexual harassment to include any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication):

• Physical contact and advances
• A demand or request for sexual favors
• Making sexually coloured remarks
• Showing pornography
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature

What is Sexual Harassment at Workplace?

Sexual harassment at the workplace is any unwelcome sexually defined behaviour which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, abusive, or offensive working environment.

The Act states that if the following circumstances occur or are present in relation to, or connected with any act or behaviour of sexual harassment, it may amount to sexual harassment at the workplace:

• Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in her employment; or
• Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in her employment; or
• Implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status; or
• Interference with her work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment for her; or
• Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

According to the ‘Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prosecution, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013’, Section (4) (1), an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been constituted at LIGHTS. Written complaints under the Act can be sent to this Committee. This Committee will follow the rules, provisions, and process mentioned under the Act.

Presiding Officer: Prof. Saraswati Raju

Members:

• Dr. Narmadeshwar Prasad
• Dr. Rasik Ravindra
• Ms. Anuradha Mehrotra (External Member)

The complaints can also be filed in a Local Police Station, in case provisions under the Indian Penal Code are applicable.

The complaints can also be filed in a Local Complaints Committee (LCC), in the case that the complaint is against the employer himself/herself and the individual feels that the case may be compromised.