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.
7th February 2025 / Issue No. 67
In the Spotlight!
Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!
The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) instructed anchor Sudhir Chaudhary to show more maturity when reporting on queer and trans issues. Chaudhary’s videos, which ridiculed genderfluid individuals and perpetuated stereotypes, were taken down. The media’s portrayal of LGBTQIA+ issues can influence public perceptions and contribute to discrimination.
The recent incident of a minor threatening their principal highlights the need for careful handling of children’s disciplinary matters. Sharing videos of minors without consent can lead to harm, including online trolling. Educators must prioritize privacy, confidentiality, and support, ensuring that students receive proper guidance and emotional care.
Emotions affect our thoughts, behavior, and relationships, often overwhelming us. Pausing to identify and explore emotions helps build emotional awareness, improve emotional intelligence, and make healthier choices. Suppressing emotions can negatively impact mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Reflecting on emotions can guide us toward necessary support and healthier responses.
The SC ruled that under the POSH Act, 2013, the Internal Committee (IC) must share the inquiry report with all parties, including the complainant. The report includes findings, evidence, witness testimonies, and the committee’s conclusions. It ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness in addressing sexual harassment cases. Read more on our linked page.
Stay Current!
~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!
I - LEGAL UPDATES
The Supreme Court upheld the Karnataka High Court’s decision, acquitting the accused of rape for necrophilia, as Indian law does not recognize sexual acts with dead bodies as criminal offenses. The Court acknowledged necrophilia as a psychosexual disorder and supported the High Court’s recommendation for legal reforms to address the dignity of deceased persons.
The Kerala High Court upheld the conviction of two accused for outraging a woman’s modesty under Section 354 IPC, emphasizing that modesty includes moral and psychological aspects, not just physical. The court modified their sentence to five months’ rigorous imprisonment, directing them to surrender within two weeks for compliance.
The Madras High Court criticized the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) medical curriculum, particularly its use of outdated terms like “Gender Identity Disorder” and its exclusion of LGBTQIA+ topics. The court urged the NMC to adopt progressive changes, address conversion therapy, and recommend a unified policy for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Supreme Court ruled that the scribe and compensatory time support should be available to all disabled candidates, not just those with benchmark disabilities. It directed a revision of the 2022 guidelines to include alternative exam modes and establish a grievance redressal portal, ensuring uniform implementation by all examination bodies.
II - Exploring Intersections
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act) was born from years of activism aimed at ending stigma and discrimination faced by people with disabilities. Prior to this, laws largely viewed them through a medical lens. The RPWD Act represents a shift to a rights-based approach, inspired by advocates like Baba Amte. To learn more about the Act and its key provisions, read the full article on our website.
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