12th November, 2025 : Session on POSH for Police ICCs in Bangalore

An intensive sensitization session was conducted for police personnel on 12th November 2025 in collaboration with Dhwani Legal Trust to bridge the gap between understanding the POSH Act as an internal workplace requirement and its enforcement as a legal mandate. Through this session, Adv Ashwini, Executive Director of Dhwani Legal Trust focused on the dual role of the police: ensuring a safe working environment within the department and assisting victims who approach the station regarding workplace harassment cases.

The session began by debunking the myth that sexual harassment only involves physical contact. It was made clear that demanding sexual favors in exchange for work benefits and/or creating an intimidating or offensive atmosphere through lewd remarks, display of pornography, or unwelcome physical proximity also amounts to harassment.

A critical segment of the session focused on when a workplace grievance becomes a police matter. While the POSH Act is a civil remedy, the police were reminded that the victim has the right to file an FIR simultaneously under relevant sections of the BNS (e.g., Section 74, 75, 78). If the IC determines that the conduct constitutes a cognizable offense, they are mandated to assist the woman in reporting it to the police.

The session concluded with an understanding that the police department will have 'no tolerance' toward sexual harassment within the force.