The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly referred to as the POSH Act, is a landmark legislation enacted by the Government of India aimed at safeguarding women from sexual harassment in the workplace. This Act emerged as a response to the pressing need for legal protection against workplace harassment, which has been a pervasive issue in a patriarchal society like India. The POSH Act was introduced following the Supreme Court's Vishaka Judgment in 1997, which established guidelines mandating employers to implement mechanisms for addressing grievances related to sexual harassment. The Act came into effect on December 9, 2013, and applies to all workplaces across both organized and unorganized sectors in India, ensuring that women can work in a safe and dignified environment free from harassment.

The POSH Act defines sexual harassment broadly, encompassing unwelcome physical contact, sexually colored remarks, requests for sexual favors, and any other...