Sexual Harassment

Please click on the link below to view/download the latest DU notice and guidelines regarding the functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee and the procedure to lodge sexual harassment related complaints.

DU Guidelines on Internal Complaints Committee in the College

The college is governed by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 and the rules framed under it.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

According to this Act, “sexual harassment” includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication):

• Physical contact and advances
• A demand or request for sexual favours
• Making sexually coloured remarks
• Showing pornography
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature

Law against Sexual Harassment

Section 3(1) of this Act clearly states that “No woman shall be subjected to sexual harassment at any workplace.”

Section 3(2) further states that the following circumstances, if present in relation to or connected with any act or behaviour of sexual harassment, may amount to sexual harassment:

• Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in employment
• Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in employment
• Implied or explicit threat about present or future employment status
• Interference with work or creation of an intimidating, offensive or hostile work environment
• Humiliating treatment likely to affect health or safety

Complaints against Sexual Harassment

Any aggrieved woman may make a written complaint of sexual harassment at the workplace to the Internal Committee within a period of three months from the date of the incident or, in case of a series of incidents, within three months from the date of the last incident.

Where a complaint cannot be made in writing, reasonable assistance shall be provided by the Presiding Officer or any Member of the Internal Committee.

The Internal Committee may extend the time limit by a further period not exceeding three months if it is satisfied that circumstances prevented the filing of the complaint within the stipulated time.

In cases where the aggrieved woman is unable to make a complaint due to physical or mental incapacity, death or otherwise, the complaint may be made by her legal heir or any other prescribed person.

As per the Rules, a complaint may also be made by a relative, friend, co-worker, or an officer of the National or State Women’s Commission with the written consent of the aggrieved woman.

Internal Complaints Committee of the College

The composition of the Internal Complaints Committee constituted under the Act is as follows: