Group of Ministers report on legal framework to prevent sexual harassment

On January 19, 2020, the Group of Ministers headed by Home Minister Amit Shah finalized its report to change the legal framework that will help prevent sexual harassment of women at work places.

Highlights

The Group of Ministers was constituted in October 2018 after the “Me Too” campaign. The group was reconstituted under the Home Minster in July 2019. Apart from this, the GoI is also working on a project to change the IPC (Indian Penal Code) that was introduced during British rule in 1860. The ministers have recommended to strengthen the laws.

Referrals of the report

The report is predominantly based on the following

• Vishaka guidelines issued by Supreme Court in 1997. It is be noted that the Sexual Harassment of Women and Workplace, 2013 was constituted based on Vishaka guidelines
• Justice J.S, Verma Committee recommendations. The committee was constituted in the awake of Nirbhaya Gang Rape and murder in 2012
• Verma Committee-The Committee recommended employment tribunal instead of ICC.

Significance

According to NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau), in 2017 and 2018, the number of sexual harassments of women at work premises were 479 and 401 respectively. The cases were registered under IPC Section 509 and were highest in cities such as Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru and Mumbai.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2020