28th March 2025 | Issue No. 74

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.

28th March 2025 | Issue No. 74

In the Spotlight!

Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!

Equilibrio Advisory is ISO 27001:2022 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) certified, for the third consecutive year. We are proud of our organizational commitment to data privacy. We continue to uphold the trust and confidence of our client, employees and partners.

We are honoured to announce that Equilibrio Advisory has been empanelled by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (GOI) to conduct POSH trainings. This recognition is a reflection of our continued dedication to building equitable and safe spaces for all.

Taking another steady step towards our commitment to creating equitable and safe spaces, our co-founder, Sana Hakim, and associate, Bhumika Jain, recently conducted a training session at GT Hospital, VT, Mumbai. The session that explored laws related to women’s safety and empowerment was attended by over 100 participants.

Last week in our POSH Question of the Week, we had asked whether the new official criminal code, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, defines sexual harassment as a crime. Here is a resource that sheds light on the nuances of what is considered as harassment under this new criminal code.

Stay Current!

~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!

I - LEGAL UPDATES

The Rajasthan High Court ruled that a charge-sheet cannot be quashed prematurely. The employee must defend the allegations during the inquiry process. The court emphasized that it cannot intervene at an early stage and dismissed the petition, directing the petitioner to present his defense before the Inquiry Officer.

The Kerala High Court observed that the Complainant who raises a complaint is entitled to have their details anonymised in the public domain. The court emphasized that the right to privacy is one of the fundamental rights and thereby should be upheld in POSH Inquiry processes.

The Madras High Court directed that medical examinations on child victims in POCSO cases be based on the specifics of the complaint, especially when no penetrative offense occurred. It emphasized avoiding unnecessary tests that cause mental stress and instructed doctors to perform only necessary examinations to support the investigation.

The Kerala HC allowed teachers to carry canes as a disciplinary tool, while mandating a preliminary inquiry before criminal cases in school-related incidents. The Court emphasized protecting teachers from unjust criminal prosecution for minor disciplinary actions and directed police to follow due process before arresting teachers in such cases.

II - Exploring Intersections

As we continue our explorations into maternity benefits, this week we focus on the nuances of pregnancy loss or miscarriage. What can organizational support or an inclusive leave policy look like under these circumstances? Explore this through our upcoming Maternity benefits e-module.

Inclusion at Work is celebrating Women’s History Month and training the spotlight on iconic women of our country, past and present. This week we look into the resilience and courage of Akkai Padmashali. Hailing from Karnataka, Padmashali is a trans activist, singer, author and motivational speaker.

Recently, Bangalore airport opened a sensory room for its neurodivergent passengers. Airports and public spaces can cause sensory overload for neurodivergent persons due to loud noises, bright lights, or big crowds. However, steps like these help include the experiences of neurodivergent persons navigating public spaces.

As we conclude Neurodiversity Celebration Week, it is important to look at the realities of neurodivergent persons in the workplace. After exploring the possible challenges that may emerge for neurodivergent employees, this week, we are looking at all the ways neurodivergent professionals can be supported at the workplace.

Engage with us!

Here's your weekly food for thought through a Fun Fact or Quiz.

Did you know, the International Day of Happiness, celebrated annually on March 20, was established by the United Nations in 2012 to promote well-being as a global goal? The theme for 2025 is ‘Caring and Sharing’. Bhutan, known for pioneering the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), inspired this day by prioritizing happiness over economic indicators. India ranks 126th in the 2025 World Happiness Report, with Finland leading the rankings. The day encourages fostering kindness, generosity, and balanced growth, urging nations to focus on societal well-being alongside economic progress. Bhutan’s emphasis on happiness continues to shape global discussions on well-being.

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 impact of corporal punishment on children’s mental health?
 
Answer: Corporal punishment negatively impacts children’s mental health by fostering feelings of fear, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can lead to long-term emotional and behavioral issues, including aggression, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. The fear of punishment may hinder a child’s ability to express themselves and can disrupt their overall development, causing lasting psychological damage.

Here’s all the tools you need to build safe and equitable workspaces!
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