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.
4th April 2025 | Issue No. 75
In the Spotlight!
Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!
At Equilibrio Advisory LLP, we recently celebrated Eid, embracing its core values of love, unity, and inclusivity. This occasion reminded us of the importance of fostering peace, solidarity, and meaningful connections. As we reflect on Eid, we continue to uphold these values in our work, striving to build a more inclusive and connected community.
We honor the formidable activist, Irom Sharmila Chanu, who hails from Manipur. A poet, activist, and political figure, Sharmila’s 16-year-long hunger strike against human rights abuses in Manipur captured global attention. She remains dedicated to advocating for the well-being and progress of the people of Manipur.
World Autism Awareness Day, observed on April 2, highlights the global prevalence of autism, with 61.8 million autistic individuals worldwide and 18 million in India. Despite this, awareness remains limited, and harmful myths persist. On this day, let’s commit to educating ourselves, debunking stereotypes, and supporting those on the autism spectrum during Autism Acceptance Month.
Bipolar Awareness Day aims to raise awareness, destigmatize, and support those living with bipolar disorder. The 2025 theme, #BipolarStrong, highlights the resilience and strength of individuals managing the condition. It encourages breaking myths, fostering self-awareness, and building supportive environments for those navigating bipolar disorder.
Stay Current!
~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!
I - LEGAL UPDATES
The Bombay High Court overturned the Industrial Court’s ruling, stating that remarks about a female employee’s hair did not constitute sexual harassment. The Court noted that the complainant did not perceive the comments as harassment and was not present during the second incident. Consequently, the court set aside the previous findings, ruling the allegations insufficient
The Supreme Court stayed the Allahabad High Court’s ruling that classified the assault on a minor girl as “preparation” rather than an “attempt to rape.” The Supreme Court criticized the High Court’s insensitivity, emphasizing the gravity of the offense and ordered reconsideration under stricter legal provisions, reinforcing child protection under the POCSO Act.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan overturned a decision excluding married daughters from the compassionate appointment quota, citing gender discrimination. Referencing India’s Aparna Bhat case, it criticized outdated patriarchal assumptions, affirming that women’s rights are independent of marital status. The Court upheld equality, autonomy, and constitutional guarantees for women.
II - Exploring Intersections
The Supreme Court of India has established a National Task Force (NTF) to address rising student suicides in higher education. Chaired by Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, the NTF will identify causes, analyze regulations, and recommend improvements to strengthen mental health protections, aiming to improve student well-being and safeguard their mental health.
A recent poll revealed unanimous support for schools teaching responsible digital engagement. In response, the Karnataka government prioritized adolescent health, focusing on internet safety and the risks of digital media. Interactive sessions will also educate students on the POCSO Act and child safety, promoting awareness and informed decision-making.
Engage with us!
Here's your weekly food for thought through a Fun Fact or Quiz.
Did You Know?
The United States of America is cutting grants that fund HIV research. According to a report in the magazine, Nature, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cancelled above 230 grants that were funding research related to HIV. This is a harmful step that can likely lead to a rise in HIV cases. Better research around HIV can lead to greater awareness and destigmatization of those living with HIV/AIDS.
If you’re looking to build awareness and sensitization around HIV/AIDS and make your workplace safer and inclusive, avail our e-module on the HIV Act.
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: Why is Asperger’s Syndrome an outdated term?
Answer: Asperger’s Syndrome was orginally characterized by traits like social, communication differences, repetitive behaviour. However, most persons diagnosed with Asperger’s had low support needs, meaning their cognitive and executive skills were closer to the expected social norm.
However, the term is outdated now, and those diagnosed under it come under the broader spectrum of Autism. This is partly due to the ties of Hans Asperger, the Austrian psychiatrist who coined the diagnosis, to the Nazi regime. People diagnosed with Asperger’s were also socially considered superior to autistic persons with higher support needs. To do away with this exclusionary bias, Asperger’s was removed, and autism was recognized as a larger spectrum.
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