14th August 2025 | Issue No. 94

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.

14th August 2025 | Issue No. 94

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars! In this section, we highlight an upcoming event you won't want to miss.

Become a Certified POSH Trainer! Elevate your career while promoting safer, more inclusive workplaces. Enroll in our POSH Train-the-Trainer Workshop and learn from seasoned experts with over 30 years of experience in legal, psychosocial, and practical domains. Seats are limited – register today!
This month, POSHequili & CSAW present a focused spotlight on “Overlaps between POSH and POCSO – A Lens Through Case Judgements.” In these exclusive sessions for Internal Committee (IC) members, we’ll delve into the definitions of sexual harassment under both laws, examine the nuances of intent vs. impact, and explore key judicial interpretations. Our expert facilitators will also provide practical guidance on addressing complaints involving minors.
Safe Spaces at Work: Suicide Prevention Through Awareness, Action & Support Join experts from mental health, social work, and leadership roles as they explore how workplaces can embed suicide prevention into their culture. This live event focuses on practical strategies to build lasting systems of care, connection, and proactive support.

In the Spotlight!

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

🌿 Give yourself time to be. In a world that glorifies doing, we forget the quiet power of simply being. Rest isn’t a pause from life—it’s where life breathes back into us. Let stillness be your sanctuary.
August is Friendship Month, and this #GlimmerOfTheWeek highlights Good Will Hunting—a film that redefines male friendship. It portrays deep, emotional bonds between Will, Chuckie, and his therapist, challenging stereotypes and showcasing how trust, vulnerability, and connection can drive healing, growth, and solidarity among men.
Thanks for responding to our poll! It reminded us that helping children means shifting from blame to understanding. The JJ Act empowers us to do just that. Stay tuned for our upcoming e-module exploring how educators and schools can play a vital role in child protection.

Stay Current!

~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!

I - LEGAL UPDATES

The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to complete a district-wise survey within six weeks to verify POSH Act compliance, specifically the constitution of Internal Committees in government and private workplaces. Labour Commissioners must assist, and the collected data must be uploaded to the SHe-Box Portal. Non-compliance may result in denial of licence renewal for defaulting entities.
The Madras High Court held that pulling a woman’s hand, though offending decency, does not amount to outraging modesty without proven criminal intent. Finding contradictions in evidence and no clear proof of intent, it set aside the man’s conviction under Section 354 IPC, granting him the benefit of doubt.
The Punjab & Haryana High Court held that denying maternity leave to contractual employees under the Maternity Benefit Act violates Article 14, as employment nature cannot justify discrimination. Relying on Supreme Court precedents, it affirmed that contract and fixed-term workers are entitled to full maternity benefits at par with regular employees.
The Supreme Court struck down the Indian Army’s policy reserving more JAG vacancies for men than women, calling it indirect discrimination and violative of Articles 15 and 16. It directed recruitment through a common merit list without gender bifurcation, ensuring all meritorious candidates are selected irrespective of gender.

II - Exploring Intersections

Asha D’Souza (she/her) and Usri Basistha (they/she) from Equilibrio Advisory LLP recently discussed the rise of voice notes and their impact. For many neurodivergent individuals, voice notes offer a more natural, accessible way to communicate. Listen to their candid chat here.

Engage with us!

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

Did You Know that
‘i by Infopark’ in Kochi is one of the first inclusive co-working spaces designed specifically for neurodivergent individuals in India? Spanning 48,000 sq-ft across seven floors with over 580 seats, it follows the ‘Spectra’ design principles—each floor features a unique sensory focus on color, acoustics, layout, and lighting to reduce sensory overload and enhance productivity. With an estimated 20% of India’s population identifying as neurodivergent, this innovative workspace sets a powerful example that could inspire more accessible and inclusive work environments across the country.

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 does positive parenting help raise neurodivergent children?

Answer: 
Positive parenting supports neurodivergent children by fostering a nurturing and understanding environment tailored to their unique needs. It focuses on empathy, patience, and encouragement rather than punishment, helping children build self-esteem and confidence. By setting clear, consistent boundaries with flexibility, positive parenting accommodates diverse ways of thinking and learning. It promotes open communication, allowing children to express themselves safely and authentically. This approach reduces stress and anxiety often experienced by neurodivergent kids and empowers them to develop their strengths and coping skills. Thus, positive parenting creates a supportive foundation that helps neurodivergent children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically in both home and school settings.

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