Headline
The Supreme Court of India issues notice on PIL seeking protection for members of ICC in private workplaces.
Summary
The Supreme Court of India under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, issued notice in a PIL seeking tenure security and protection against retaliation for members of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in private companies.
Key Facts
- Case Name: Janaki Chaudhry & Anr. vs Ministry of Women and Child Development & Ors.
- Judges Name-Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan
- Petitioners: Janaki Chaudhry (former ICC member) and Olga Tellis (retired journalist).
- Petitioners allege that private ICC members lack protection, unlike their public sector partners .
- Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) members can go through arbitrary termination if their decisions provoke senior management.
- Relief sought includes tenure safeguard, recognition of ICC members as public servants, and grievance redress mechanisms.
Legal Insights
Petitioners argue the lack of consistency between public and private ICC members violates Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Indian Constitution. They also said that Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) members perform quasi-judicial functions similar to judges.
Impact
The PIL showcases a systemic gap in making sure that workplace safety and security and ICC independence, mainly in private organizations.
Why It Matters
Enhancing ICC protections is important for impartial adjudication of harassment complaints, a foundation of workplace safety and justice.
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