The Equilibrio Gazette
A brief buletin 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.
17th July 2026 | Issue No. 142
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! In this section, we highlight an upcoming event you won't want to miss.
When a POSH inquiry reaches the appellate stage, what aspects of an Internal Committee’s inquiry are subjected to judicial scrutiny? What makes an IC’s findings legally robust, and where do organisations most commonly fall short?
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Join us on 8th August for an insightful working session with Sana Hakim (She/Her), Co-Founding Partner at Equilibrio Advisory LLP, as she unpacks how Courts approach POSH appeals, the principles that shape appellate review, and the key lessons organisations can apply to strengthen their inquiry processes.
Build the knowledge and confidence to safeguard children with our Full-Day POCSO Certification Training Program. Designed for educators, school leaders, HR professionals, social workers, parents, and mental health practitioners, this certification equips participants to recognise, prevent, and respond to child safety concerns.
When workplace friendships take an unexpected turn, navigating a POSH inquiry can become increasingly complex. This month’s exclusive POSHequili IC Spotlight, “Friendships Gone Wrong: POSH Inquiries,” features Adv. Bhumika Jain and Sakshi Deshpande as they unpack these nuanced cases, the challenges they pose for Internal Committees, and the role of healthy professional boundaries in fostering safer workplaces.
When the Workplace Fails the Child explores what truly safe, inclusive, and rights-based workplace childcare looks like. Join us as we discuss legal frameworks, disability inclusion, mental health, caregiving, and practical steps organisations can take to build crèches that go beyond compliance to genuine care.
In the Spotlight!
Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!
At Mental Health at Work, a vertical of Equilibrio Advisory LLP, we’re conducting a short, anonymous survey on the mental health of legal professionals in India. It takes just 3 minutes, and your responses will contribute to a published report. If you’re a legal professional, we’d appreciate your participation and support in sharing it with your network.
On International Nonbinary People’s Day, we stand in solidarity with nonbinary individuals. As challenges to trans rights grow, affirming and respecting nonbinary identities is more important than ever. Let’s move beyond awareness to create inclusive, affirming spaces where everyone feels seen, respected, and able to thrive.
Different by Design brought together Millennial leaders at Bonito Designs to explore leading Gen Z with curiosity, empathy, and understanding. Facilitated by Samriti Makkar Midha, the workshop unpacked generational differences, challenged biases, and equipped leaders to build psychologically safe, inclusive workplaces across generations.
Earlier this week, we shared a scenario where Employee A wondered whether, as the respondent in a POSH complaint, he had the right to appeal the Internal Committee’s decision. Here’s our analysis of whether a respondent under the POSH Act, 2013 has a legal right to appeal the Committee’s final recommendations.
Stay Current!
~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!
I - LEGAL UPDATES
The Allahabad High Court initiated proceedings in a PIL seeking safeguards for minors using Roblox and similar online gaming platforms. Without expressing any view on the merits, the Court issued notices to the remaining respondents, holding that the issues concerning child safety and regulatory oversight require consideration after hearing all parties.
The Bombay High Court granted a final adjournment in a writ petition concerning the extension of Income Tax Act benefits to same-sex couples, while expressing concern over repeated delays by the Revenue. The Court clarified that the order was purely procedural and that the substantive constitutional issues remain pending for adjudication.
The Jammu & Kashmir High Court held that Senior Residents and Tutors are entitled to full pay during maternity leave once such leave is recognised under applicable service rules. The Court ruled that withholding salary during maternity leave is arbitrary, discriminatory, and contrary to constitutional guarantees protecting maternity benefits and the dignity of working women.
II - Exploring Intersections
India is becoming more accessible for menstruators. With free menstrual pad vending machines now available 24/7 at 175 railway stations, access to menstrual hygiene is improving for millions of travellers. This is more than convenience- it’s a step towards greater accessibility, dignity, and inclusion in public spaces for all menstruators.
Engage with us!
Here's your weekly food for thought through a Fun Fact or Quiz.
Did you know that Charlie Brown’s unseen pen pal is finally making her debut in the beloved Peanuts universe? Since the comic strip debuted in 1950, fans have followed Charlie Brown’s attempts at writing to his pen pal. Finally, the upcoming animated film “Snoopy Unleashed” in 2027 will finally introduce us to Mia.
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This young girl from London, of South Asian descent and a wheelchair user, brings vital representation to one of animation’s most familiar childhood worlds. Voiced by Lara Mehmet, also a wheelchair user, Mia’s presence promises an authentic portrayal, filling a void for many disabled viewers who rarely saw themselves reflected in such iconic stories growing up. Mia’s arrival is more than just a character introduction; it’s a significant moment for disability representation in animation. Her existence in the Peanuts universe signifies a move towards richer, more inclusive storytelling that acknowledges and celebrates the diverse experiences of children.
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 Dysmenorrhea and how can it affect menstruators?
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Answer:
Dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain that occurs when the uterus contracts to shed its lining, typically lasting two to three days at the start of a period. This pain, often felt in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or radiating to the back and thighs, can be accompanied by nausea, fatigue, headaches, and bloating. We distinguish between primary dysmenorrhea, caused by an excess of prostaglandins leading to uterine cramping, common in younger individuals, and secondary dysmenorrhea, which signals underlying medical conditions like endometriosis or fibroids and may be more severe and prolonged.
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Despite its prevalence and potential impact on daily life, awareness around dysmenorrhea remains surprisingly low. Menstruators, particularly those facing social and financial barriers, often endure this debilitating pain without adequate support or access to proper diagnosis and treatment. This lack of awareness and access can lead to missed work, missed opportunities, and prolonged suffering, underscoring the urgent need for greater education and accessible healthcare solutions for all who menstruate.
Here’s all the tools you need to build safe and equitable workspaces!
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