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.
11th October 2024 | Issue No. 51
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! In this section, we highlight an upcoming event you won't want to miss.
How prepared are you to handle challenges in inquiries under the POSH Act 2013? Join our workshop on October 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to gain insights into procedures, including cross-examination and its impact on respondents’ rights. Equip yourself as a Certified IC Member and enhance your skills — Register now!
In the Spotlight!
Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!
On October 10, 2024, we commemorated World Mental Health Day, which emphasized “Prioritizing Mental Health at Work.” A safe, healthy work environment enhanced employee retention and productivity. Addressing factors like excessive workloads, harassment, and poor conditions was vital to fostering a supportive workplace culture for all.
In February 2017, a sexual assault case involving a Malayalam actress prompted the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). This group advocated for safer practices in the industry and highlighted gender discrimination, particularly in light of the Justice Hema Committee findings. Read more about this important issue on our website!
The Supreme Court is reviewing the issue of marital rape following a split verdict from the Delhi High Court. The Centre’s affidavit argues that criminalizing marital rape is excessive and could undermine marriage, framing the matter as social rather than legal. Critics contend this stance perpetuates patriarchal norms and fails to protect women’s rights.
Stay Current!
~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!
I - LEGAL UPDATES
The Kerala High Court quashed an FIR against a university teacher accused of sexual assault during a festival, citing a 127-day delay in filing the complaint as suspicious. The court found no evidence of intent to outrage modesty or sexual harassment, viewing the teacher’s actions as enforcing university rules. The complainant was warned against any retaliation affecting her studies.
The Bombay High Court granted relief to a law student expelled for multiple sexual harassment allegations, ruling that indefinite expulsion constituted “academic death.” The court upheld the expulsion but limited it to the end of the 2024-25 academic year, requiring community service and allowing the release of his exam results post-service. The court emphasized balancing institutional discipline with the student’s right to education.
The Delhi High Court highlighted the complexities of teenage love as a “legal grey area” while considering a bail application from a petitioner accused of kidnapping a 17.5-year-old girl. The victim initially stated her relationship was consensual but later alleged coercion. The court granted bail, emphasizing the need to assess the nuances of young relationships without making judgments on the case’s merits.
II - Exploring Intersections
The Supreme Court highlighted discriminatory attitudes towards women in public offices, exemplified by the case of a Sarpanch from Maharashtra who faced disqualification based on unverified allegations about her residence. The Court criticized the authorities for their mechanical decisions and emphasized the broader issue of gender discrimination in rural governance. It reinstated the Sarpanch, stressing the need for sensitive handling of such cases.
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: How should you react when someone comes out to you, and what is an appropriate response?
Answer: When someone comes out to you, it’s important to respond with support and respect. Acknowledge their courage in sharing such personal information. You can say, “Thank you for trusting me with this.” Ask if they want to talk more about it or if there’s anything specific they need from you. Avoid making assumptions or judgments; simply be a supportive and understanding friend.
Here’s all the tools you need to build safe and equitable workspaces!
Drop us a Hey, to get started!
