PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACE

Dr. G.P. Naik
Principal Consultant, Talent Avenues, Bangalore 

Even though the concept of sexual harassment is as old as the history of mankind, its implication at the work place has received attention in recent times. In fact until the   verdict in Vishaka Vs. State of Rajasthan (1997) case by the Supreme Court of India in 1997, there were no official guidelines to deal with the subject.  The case relates to an alleged gang rape of a social worker in a village of Rajasthan.  In this case the court opined that sexual harassment at work place amounts to violation of individual rights guaranteed under Article 14 (equality before law); 15 (prohibition of discrimination on the ground of sex,); 19 (right to practice freely any profession, trade or occupation); 42 (provision for humane conditions of work), and the citizens duties under Article 51A to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.

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