The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act applies to offices of members and firms registered with ICAI

ICAI vide its communication dated 13-02-2014 has invited the attention of Attention of members and firms of Chartered Accountants registered with the ICAI reagarding the applicability of guidelines laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India (in the cases viz., Vishakha & Ors. vs. State of Rajasthan & Ors. and Dr. Medha Kotwal Lele & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors. decided by judgment dated 13th August, 1997 and 19th October, 2012 respectively) on prevention and dealing with sexual harassment at the educational institutions/ work places etc. For details refer to the annoucement by ICAI which is reproduced here below:

ANNOUNCEMENT

SUB: APPLICABILITY OF GUIDELINES LAID DOWN BY HON’BLE SUPREME COURT IN THE CASES OF VISHAKHA & ORS. VS. STATE OF RAJASTHAN & ORS. AND DR. MEDHA KOTWAL LELE & ORS. VS. UNION OF INDIA & ORS. FOR PREVENTION AND DEALING WITH THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS/WORK PLACES ETC.

Attention of members and firms of Chartered Accountants registered with the ICAI is hereby drawn to the specific guidelines laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India (in the cases viz., Vishakha & Ors. vs. State of Rajasthan & Ors. and Dr. Medha Kotwal Lele & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors. decided by judgment dated 13th August, 1997 and 19th October, 2012 respectively) on prevention and dealing with sexual harassment at the educational institutions/ work places etc.

In terms of the said relevant judgement, followed by the enactment of The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the guidelines so formed shall be applicable to organizations/ bodies/ associations/ institutions and persons registered/affiliated with ICAI including, the office of ICAI its organs at different levels/ locations and offices of members and firms registered with it. Accordingly, all concerned are required to follow the aforesaid guidelines in letter and spirit.

For further details, about the judgement and text of The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, please visit the website - www.icai.org

Judgment in the matter of Medha Kotwal and Ors Vs. Union of India & Ors.
Vishakha & Ors Vs. State of Rajasthan & Ors
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013​