- By Akansha Pandey
- Wed, 01 Oct 2025 03:14 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Amid a nationwide increase in reported cases of workplace sexual harassment, the Delhi government has directed all its District Magistrates (DMs) to conduct a comprehensive survey of public and private sector organisations. The move aims to ensure compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, following a recent directive from the Supreme Court.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), complaints filed under the POSH Act have surged from 161 in 2013-14 to 1,160 in 2022-23, though the actual number of incidents is believed to be much higher.
In response to this trend and to ensure the law's effective implementation, the Supreme Court on August 12, 2025, ordered all states and union territories to conduct surveys to verify the formation of mandatory anti-harassment committees at workplaces. This was to be completed within six weeks.
Delhi's Implementation Plan
Following the Supreme Court's order, the Delhi government has initiated a multi-departmental effort:
The Women and Child Development (WCD) Department first issued an order for the survey to be conducted by DMs. On September 19, it formally wrote to the Labour Commissioner to facilitate this process.
The Labour Department has now instructed its officials to provide district-wise lists of all registered organizations to the DMs.
This data is to be shared within 10 days to enable the DMs to begin the survey and identify non-compliant workplaces, after which action will be ensured.
Key Requirements Of The POSH Act, 2013
The Act mandates that:
- Any employer with 10 or more employees must constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
- The ICC must be chaired by a senior female employee.
- The committee is responsible for investigating complaints of sexual harassment, recommending appropriate action, and ensuring confidentiality throughout the process.
- The Labour Department is empowered to take action against workplaces that fail to form a mandatory ICC.