The Equilibrio Gazette
A brief bulletin for building safe workspaces!
This weekly newsletter is your gateway to staying current on relevant
laws (like POSH, POCSO, Transgender Persons Act, etc.) and the
psychosocial intersections that impact the workplace.
25th October 2024 | Issue No. 53
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! In this section, we highlight an upcoming event you won't want to miss.
Our founders present the “Train the Trainer” workshop to develop POSH experts. This program trains participants to effectively conduct awareness sessions on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace, addressing legal and psychological aspects. Gain skills to support aggrieved persons and confidently tackle training challenges. Register yourself here.
In the Spotlight!
Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!
Equilibrio LLP values the importance of celebrating festivities with loved ones. To foster this spirit, the firm will observe a company-wide break during Diwali, from October 30th to November 3rd, allowing everyone to enjoy quality time with family and friends.
Our comprehensive POSH e-learning modules cover sexual harassment definitions, workplace rights, and redressal mechanisms. Designed to empower employees and train IC members, we customize content for organizations. Schedule a demo to enhance workplace safety and ensure POSH compliance today.
ADHD affects over 366 million adults worldwide, comparable to the U.S. population. Misinformation and stigma persist, prompting ADHD Awareness Month to educate the public. Workplaces are encouraged to support ADHD individuals, promoting understanding and valuing their unique contributions.
Radical rest emphasizes a mindset shift towards sustainable productivity and well-being. At Equilibrio Advisory LLP, we promote work practices that prioritize rest, breaking away from hustle culture. As founder Samriti Makkar Midha says, it’s about creating supportive systems. Read more on our LinkedIn page.
The POCSO Act, enacted in 2012 and amended in 2019, specifically targets the prevention of child sexual abuse in India. It establishes stringent penalties for offenders, mandates reporting of offenses, and emphasizes child-friendly procedures for legal processes. Learn more about its impact on our website.
Stay Current!
~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!
I - LEGAL UPDATES
The Bombay High Court recently dismissed stalking charges against a man accused of following a woman, emphasizing that “grooving to music” and head-shaking did not imply intent to interact. However, the court upheld convictions for reckless and negligent driving. Recognizing his role as a family breadwinner, the court deemed his 36 days in custody as sufficient and ordered his release.
The Kerala High Court ruled that the Mental Healthcare Act (MHA), 2017, which decriminalizes attempted suicide, applies retroactively. This landmark decision led to dismissing charges against a woman who attempted suicide in 2016 due to severe mental harassment. The court emphasized that the MHA’s protective intent supports individuals struggling with mental health and applies even to past cases.
The Supreme Court of India declined a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) requesting criminalization of sexual offenses against men, trans persons, and animals under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The court emphasized legislative authority, stating that introducing such provisions is Parliament’s role. However, it allowed the petitioner to pursue the issue with the Union of India regarding perceived legislative gaps.
II - Exploring Intersections
The Karnataka High Court urged all universities and colleges to establish mental health and anti-discrimination policies to support students facing mental health and discrimination issues. This recommendation, inspired by Azim Premji University’s model, aims to protect students from adverse outcomes like suicide. The court also called on national bodies to standardize such policies to create safer, inclusive educational environments.
The POSH Act, 2013, protects women from workplace sexual harassment. Equilibrio Advisory conducts training sessions that cover consent, definitions of harassment, and redressal processes. Our participants have provided positive feedback, highlighting the engaging role-play activities that enhance their understanding and prepare them for real-life situations. For detailed feedback, please refer to the article.
Engage with us!
Here's your weekly food for thought through a Fun Fact or Quiz.
Have a burning question about POSH? Maybe Mental Health at Work, Child safety or DEI&B strategies? Drop us an email with your query and we would love to answer it, in all seriousness.
Curious Cat: What is the purpose of the Sakhi Savitri Committee in Maharashtra’s schools?
Answer: The Sakhi Savitri Committee, mandated in Maharashtra’s schools, focuses on student safety, gender equality, and well-being. It serves as a platform for addressing challenges on school grounds, provides counseling, and raises awareness of government education schemes. The committee promotes a healthy environment, conducts self-defense training, and offers career guidance. It also helps reintegrate dropouts, counters child marriage, and supports disadvantaged students, aiming for an abuse-free educational experience.
Here’s all the tools you need to build safe and equitable workspaces!
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