Background:
The Supreme Court of India recently addressed a petition seeking the application of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) to political parties.
Relevance : GS 2 (Polity and Governance )
- Supreme Court’s Direction:
- The Supreme Court directed the petitioner to first approach the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the application of the POSH Act to political parties.
- The court noted that the ECI is the “competent authority” concerning political parties.
- Petitioner’s Request:
- The petitioner sought a judicial declaration that political parties must comply with the POSH Act, including the formation of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
- The petitioner argued that political parties should be bound by the POSH Act to ensure a safe work environment for women.
- Court’s Guidance: The court advised that if the petitioner’s concerns are not effectively addressed by the ECI, she could move the appropriate judicial forum in accordance with the law.
