Chapter -3 section 5-8
This chapter lays down the institutional and procedural framework for how sexual harassment complaints should be addressed in the workplace.
And to make it more practical, we’ll also look at important case laws where these sections were applied—or ignored—with serious consequences."
SECTION 5 – Notification of the Order
"Section 5 places a "legal duty on the District Officer" to "notify the constitution of the Local Complaints Committee (LCC)" in every district."
What does this mean?
* When an LCC is formed, the District Officer must "publicly announce" and "circulate" that information.
* This is crucial for women working in the "unorganized sector" or "workplaces with fewer than 10 employees", where there is no Internal Committee.
Why is this important?
* It ensures "access to justice" for vulnerable women workers—like domestic workers, construction laborers, freelancers, or contract staff.
* Without this notification, women may not even know where to go to file a complaint.
🧑⚖️ Case Law: K. Ajitha v. State of Kerala (2018)
The Kerala High Court emphasized that failure to "notify the LCC properly" could result in "denial of justice".
The court directed the state to ensure proper "awareness campaigns and public notice".
Must watch :- Chapter-3 section 5-8 POSH ACT,2013
SECTION 6 – Constitution of the Internal Committee
"Section 6 makes it mandatory for every employer with "10 or more employees" to form an "Internal Committee (IC)" at each office or unit."
Composition of the IC:
1. Presiding Officer: A senior-level woman employee
2. Two members: From among employees, with experience in social work, legal knowledge, or commitment to women’s causes.
3. One external member:From an NGO or someone with experience in women's rights.
📌 Every office, every branch, must have its **own Internal Committee**.
🧑⚖️ Landmark Case: Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)
Although this case predates the Act, the "Supreme Court laid the foundation" for the POSH law.
It stressed that all workplaces "must have a redressal mechanism" to protect women from harassment.
This judgment led to the creation of Section 6.
🧑⚖️ Case: Medha Kotwal Lele v. Union of India (2013)
In this case, the SC took serious note of non-compliance and said:
“If the Internal Complaints Committee is not in place, it is a violation of constitutional rights.”
So, if you're an employer and haven’t formed an IC yet—you’re already "breaking the law".
SECTION 7 – Tenure of the Internal Committee Members
"Section 7 defines the "term of office" for Internal Committee members. Every member holds office for "three years" from the date of nomination."
But there’s more.
Removal of a Member:
A member "can be removed before their term" if:
* They disclose confidential information,
* Are convicted of a crime,
* Use their position to gain undue advantage, or
* Violate the code of conduct.
🧑⚖️ **Case Law: Saurabh Kumar Mallick v. Comptroller & Auditor General of India (2016)**
The Delhi High Court underlined the importance of **neutral and fair IC members**.
It ruled that **biased or unethical committee members** compromise the entire inquiry and lead to **miscarriages of justice**.
SECTION 8 – Complaint Mechanism
"Section 8 highlights a core principle of the POSH Act – that it's not enough to just form a committee. Employers must also create a "functional and accessible complaint mechanism."
What does this include?
* A written POSH policy
* Display of contact details of IC and LCC members
* Training and sensitization programs for employees
* Ensuring confidentiality, no retaliation, and quick resolution.
🧑⚖️ Case Law: Dr. Punita K. Sodhi v. Union of India (2010)
Here, the Delhi High Court criticized a government department for failing to provide a proper forum for redressal.
The court ruled that such negligence amounted to institutional failure and could lead to legal action against the employer.
🧑⚖️ Case: Shital Prasad Sharma v. State of Rajasthan (2014)
The Rajasthan HC said every workplace must ensure that their complaint mechanism is not only present but also visible and accessible to all employees.
"So let’s recap what Chapter 3 of the POSH Act tells us:
* Section 5: District Officers must notify the formation of LCCs
* Section 6: Every workplace with 10+ employees must form an Internal Committee
* Section 7: IC members hold office for 3 years, unless removed for misconduct
* Section 8: Employers must implement a robust, fair complaint mechanism
"These aren't just checkboxes. These are l
egal duties. Failure to comply can—and has—led to strict actions by courts."
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